Obituary of Greta Blanche Clark

Greta Blanche Clark

(June 4, 1929—August 31, 2024)

It is with great sadness but with gratitude for a long life well lived that the family of Greta Blanche Clark, formerly Greta Appleby, announce her death on August 31, 2024, after a lengthy decline in health.

Born on June 4, 1929, Greta was the oldest child of the late Lawrence Clarkson and Lila (nee Fullarton) of Williamsburg, New Brunswick.

Following her early years in Williamsburg, Greta moved to Hampstead in 1943 where she attended school and made many lifelong friends. While living in Hampstead, Greta met and married her loving husband of 27 years, Walter Appleby, and raised their five children with love and care.

After Walter’s sudden death in 1973, Greta supported her family by working at Base Food Services, CFB Gagetown. It was in Oromocto where Greta met Howard Clark beginning a relationship that lasted over 50 years. Greta and Howard were married in 1983 and made a home together, filling it with love, laughter, and many adopted dogs.  

Greta will be remembered for her unfailing sense of humour—she found a way to smile even on the darkest of days. She enjoyed baking, making quilts, and sewing for her family. Greta loved her flower gardens, colourful clothes and dressing up to look her best. She inspired her family to achieve success and to face adversity with determination.

In addition to her parents and Walter, Greta is predeceased by beloved brother Preston Clarkson, grandson Alexander Craig, and sister Carol Brown. She is survived by her devoted and loving husband Howard, and her five children with Walter: Linda (Gerry) Fagan, Deborah McRae (Geoff Cameron), Anne (Stephen) Ryan, Janice Appleby, and Scott Appleby. She is also survived by Howard’s children: Alan (Karen) Clark, Deborah (Pat) McCafferty, Christina (Claude) Chouinard, and Tanya (Jimmy) Bridges. Greta was blessed with fifteen grandchildren and many great grandchildren. She is also survived by sisters, Elizabeth Shanks and Cathy Kemp.

Greta’s family would like to extend their heartfelt gratitude to her devoted caregivers, including long-time physician, Dr. Timothy Snell; Dr. Sarah Charlebois; her team of devoted in-home caregivers; Extra-Mural of Oromocto; Enhanced Living of Gagetown; and most recently, the health professionals and staff of Orchard View Long Term Care Home.

Arrangements are under the care of Oromocto Funeral Home. There will be no visitation. A funeral service to mark Greta’s life will be held at Oromocto Funeral Home, 108 Winnebago St, Oromocto, NB on Thursday September 5, 2024 at 2 pm, Rev. Perry Hanley and Rev. John Carroll will officiate,  followed by interment of her ashes at Oromocto Pioneer Gardens.  A reception will follow.  In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Oromocto SPCA or to a charity of the donor’s choice.