Jeanne (Paquette) Clark

Fitchburg: Jeanne (Paquette) Clark age 84 of Fitchburg, MA passed away Friday evening July 25th at Sterling Village Nursing Home in Sterling, MA with her family at her side.

Born December 29, 1940 in Fitchburg the daughter of Alphonse and Regina (Richard) Paquette.She was predeceased by her husband of 57 years, LeRoy “Butch” Clark. She lived most of her life in Fitchburg.

Jeanne was a graduate of St. Bernard’s High School Class of 1958, graduated with a Bachelor of Science Degree in Education from Fitchburg State College in 1962, and obtained a Masters Degree in Special Education from Fitchburg State College in 1978.

Jeanne was a teacher and educator who started her teaching career in Baltimore, Maryland having been recruited with her husband Butch to teach at the first integrated schools in the state. She moved back to Fitchburg in 1963 after the death of her mother and raised a family.

Jeanne resumed her career in teaching in 1976, as a Special Needs Teacher in the Townsend School System. Jeanne was a true believer in education and that all children, regardless of any disability, should receive the best education possible. She worked in the Townsend School System for 34 years working primarily as a special education teacher until retiring in 2010.

An educated woman who believed in women’s rights, Jeanne was a founding member of the Fitchburg chapter of the National Organization for Women (NOW) which was active in the 1970s.

Jeanne enjoyed spending time with family and friends, especially at her York Beach summer home, which was built by her husband Butch, their sons and friends.

She is survived by her sons, Thomas R. Clark and wife Cynthia of Fitchburg, MA., Matthew E. Clark and wife Amy of Des Moines, Iowa, her daughter Sarah J. Charette of Fitchburg, MA., four grandchildren, Spenser Clark, Christopher Charette, Jamie Spinks and Sophia Clark along with many nieces and nephews.

Her funeral will be held on Friday, August 8, 2025 with a Mass at 10:30 a.m. in Our Lady of the Lake Church 1400 Main St. Leominster, MA. All relatives and friends are welcome to attend and should meet at the church. Interment will follow at St. Cecilia’s Cemetery, Leominster, MA. There are no calling hours.

The Lavery Chartrand Alario Funeral Home 99 Summer St. Fitchburg, MA, is directing arrangements. www.LCAFH.com