Margaret "Peggy" Clark

Margaret “Peggy” Anne Clark (nee: Carlin) passed away on Friday, 11/22/24, surrounded by family. Peggy was immensely proud of her family and loved them with all her heart. 

She is survived by her children, Meg Clark Soriano (Thomas Gerber), Susan A. Clark, Nancy M. Martin, and her grandchildren, Matthew Clark Soriano, Emily Clark Soriano (Jered Martin), Nick Clark Soriano, James H. Clark III, Peggy R. Martin, Fiona Clark, Hannah Elizabeth Martin, Oona Clark Moser, and Joseph Clark Moser. 

She is also survived by her sisters, Eileen Carlin and Claire Renwick (Dan), daughter-in-law, Kari Clark and her daughter Olivia, and many beloved nieces, nephews, and cousins. 

Peggy is predeceased by her son, James H. Clark, Jr., her parents, Leo P. Carlin and Margaret “Peggy” Carlin (Gallagher), and her two brothers, Leo and Robert Carlin. Peggy was very proud of her father’s legacy in helping the people of Newark where he was mayor from 1953-1962. Her parents later moved to Avon-by-the-Sea where she spent many summers with the Carlin and Clark families.

Peggy was born in Newark on August 26, 1937. She attended St. Vincent’s nursing school in New York City where she earned her RN. She married James H. Clark and moved to Bayonne. She later graduated from New Jersey City State University with a bachelor of nursing, beginning her lifelong career at St. Andrews School as the school nurse. She also worked at Bayonne Hospital, Midtown Community School, and Bayonne High School until she retired. Peggy dedicated herself to helping children and their families. 

Peggy cherished the friendships that she cultivated throughout the years. She especially loved her mahjong group, Madison book club, and the friends she met through work and community activities. She loved doing the daily crossword puzzle. She was fiercely principled and a lifelong learner. She was a self-proclaimed ‘political junkie’ and proudly cast her vote earlier this month. Peggy was a lifelong supporter of the LGBTQ+ community, passionate about equal rights, and accepting of all. She believed our differences made life more interesting.

Peggy was an avid enthusiast of college basketball and tennis. She was Roger Federer’s biggest fan. One of her fondest memories is when Jim and Kari took her to see Duke play in North Carolina. However, she usually rooted for the underdog, and the coaches she viewed as positive mentors for their young players. 

She was independent and adventurous. A favorite quote: “When you rest, you rust.” She would regularly drive to New York City to see a show or try a new restaurant. She took her family on many trips including several to Woodloch, PA which was a favorite destination. She visited Bermuda, Mexico, Canada, Ireland, England, Scotland, Switzerland, Germany, France, Spain, Italy, Thailand and Vietnam.

Peggy was a survivor of non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma. She found strength through faith, gratitude, and acceptance. 

Despite slowing down in recent years, Peggy’s spirit remained strong. She continued to prioritize family, friends, and neighbors with her kindness and generosity. During the pandemic, the “Mahjong Queen” taught all 9 of her grandchildren how to play mahjong. 

She ‘let the dice roll’ and trusted the way forward, staying in her beloved home, which was her wish. 

Peggy loved her hometown of Bayonne, especially her neighbors, and being able to walk to the park or over to Broadway. She enjoyed seeing children at play and familiar faces of all ages as she went about town.

Peggy was so fortunate to have the help of many supportive friends and neighbors, especially Kim and Ralph Spiniello and family, as well as Emilie Lafortune M. Diaw. Appreciation must also be given to her mahjong friends and the ladies at the Pin Up Hair Studio, among others. A special note of gratitude to Jim Kealy, her “gem.” We also thank Maureen (RIP) and Jim Richard for their endless support over the years. 

A wake will be held at Bayonne Memorial Home from 3:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. on Friday, December 6th. The funeral mass will be celebrated on Saturday, December 7th at St. Elizabeth’s Church in Avon at 11am followed by burial at the St. Anne Cemetery in Wall. 

Donations in memory of Peggy Clark can be made to the Don and Arlene Ahern Memorial Scholarship Program or the Bayonne Economic Opportunity Foundation.  

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