Caroline Elizabeth Clarke was born on June 29, 1925 in Niagara Falls, NY. She passed away on October 6, 2009 at HealthSouth Rehab Hospital in Pleasant Gap, PA.
Caroline was the daughter of Loren William Ausderau and Winifred M. Caskey, and her childhood home was in Niagara Falls, NY. She graduated from Niagara Falls High School and Trott Vocational High School in 1942.
Caroline worked as a bookkeeper in a dress shop until she met the love of her life, Robert Clarke, on a blind date. They were married on September 24, 1945, during one of Robert's 30 day leaves from the US Navy. She became an ardent letter writer during Robert's tour of duty on the USS Essex and continued writing regularly to her friends and family for the rest of her life. A letter received from Caroline was something to be treasured.
Caroline was a devoted mother and wife. Her house was the place where all the children in the neighborhood gathered to play. Most of the time she could be found with knitting needles in hand and she made more than 100 sweaters for poor children around the world through the Guideposts Sweater Project. She was an excellent quilter, seamstress, gardener and crafter. She was also an avid golfer with her husband and was proud of her five handicap.
Robert and Caroline moved to Walkertown, NC in 1970, where they spent some of the most enjoyable years of their lives. They were faithful members of St. Andrews Presbyterian Church in Winston Salem, NC for 39 years, making many dear friends.
Robert survives her at Wynwood House in Centre Hall, PA. She is also survived by her two daughters, Marilyn C. Weaver (Lester) of Aaronsburg, PA, and Noreen A. Weaver (Ronald) of Bellefonte, PA. She is also survived by three beloved grandchildren, Jereme Clarke Weaver (Amy) of Tyrone, PA, Megan Leigh Collins (Mark) of Louisville, KY, and Jonathan A. Weaver (Stacie) of Connellsville, PA; and nine great-grandchildren Kristin Templeton, Alexander Weaver, Allison Weaver, Andrew Weaver, Caroline Collins, Lawrence Collins, Judson Collins, Chase Weaver, and Jakob Weaver. One brother also survives her, Loren C. Ausderau of Quincy, MI; as well as her granddaughter-in-law Jessica Weaver of Centre Hall. She was preceded in death by her grandson Adam R. E. Weaver on September 19, 2009.
A Memorial Service celebrating her life will be held at St. Peter's United Church of Christ on Rt. 45 in Aaronsburg, PA, on Saturday, October 10th 2009 at 11:00am. Memorial contributions may be made to St. Andrews Presbyterian Church, 357 Old Hollow Rd., Winston Salem, NC, 27105.
A guest book can be signed or condolences sent to the family at www.heintzelmanfuneralhome.com.