Callie Anne Clark

Callie Anne (nee Coughlin) Clark, age 91, of Hinsdale/Burr Ridge, IL died at home peacefully on May 10, 2024, with her family nearby.  She was preceded in death by her parents, Paul and Georgia (nee Alley) Coughlin and her brother, L.C. Coughlin.  Devoted to her family, the love of her life and husband of 68 years, W. H. Clark, Jr., her daughters, Caryl Lynne Smith (Brian) and Cindy Anne Mancillas (Kurt) and her grandchildren, Kelsey Lynne Smith, Kendall Anne Mancillas and Dylan Clark Mancillas. She is also survived by several nieces and nephews.  Her memory will be cherished.  

Callie Anne grew up in Big Stone Gap, Virginia during the area’s boom time.  As a child, she developed a passion for music, learning to play the clarinet and the piano.  She was active in marching band, choir, and several school clubs.  As a teen, Callie Anne loved to test drive any new Harley Davidson motorcycle that arrived at her parents’ Jeep and Harley Davidson dealership, one of the first in the country. 

An avid student and proponent of education, Callie Anne graduated Magna Cum Laude from Wake Forest University with a B.A. in Music and History. She was actively involved on campus with the marching band, student government and the school paper, to name just a few of her activities.  She was a member of the Mortar Board Society and Phi Beta Kappa.  Callie Anne continued to support Wake Forest throughout her life as a long-standing member of the Board of Visitors, the Alumni Council, the Founder’s Circle. Callie Anne was proud to establish an academic scholarship for students.

It is impossible to talk of Callie Anne’s life without including her soulmate, “H” Clark.  They met when she was nine years old, and he was ten.  She was quick to point out with a twinkle in her eye that “H” was an “older man.”  Married for almost 69 years, their love story actually flourished for 82 years.  They told each other “I love you” often while holding hands. 

“H” was always the first to give credit to Callie Anne for his successful business career.  She was his “secret weapon”, always supporting any requests to move the family to another location (there were 13 moves in nine states with a lot of packing and unpacking). Callie Anne traveled extensively with “H”; together they visited over 63 countries around the world.  She embraced every experience with grace and enthusiasm.  With her warm smile and easy laugh, she fit into any country and culture.  She was often referred to as the Corporate Wife Extraordinaire.  After “H”’s retirement from Nalco Chemical Company, they purchased a cattle ranch in Big Timber, Montana.  Callie Anne traded in her high heels for her cowboy boots to become the Ranch Wife Extraordinaire, entertaining dignitaries, friends and especially family.

When not traveling, Callie Anne participated, over the years, in many Chicago-area civic organizations including The Field Museum Women’s Board, Brookfield Zoo Women’s Board, The Service Club of Chicago, Museum of Science and Industry President’s Council, Children’s Home and Aid Society, Garden Club of Hinsdale, Historical Society of Hinsdale and American Association of University Women.  A strong advocate for education, Callie Anne and “H” established scholarships not only for Wake Forest University but also for North Carolina State University and Mountain Empire Community College in Big Stone Gap, Virginia.

Callie Anne’s love for her family was undeniable.  No matter where she was or how busy life became, Callie Anne always put her family first.  As her daughters were growing up, she had teatime daily with each one as they came home from school, listening, laughing and often advising Caryl and Cindy, encouraging each to pursue their individual interests.  Nicknamed Mamos (which she insisted was short for The Most Wonderful Grandmother in the World), she inspired each of her grandchildren in their endeavors, often by thinking up games and ways to make any activity an adventure.

Callie Anne’s warmth, kindness and graciousness will be remembered by her family and friends.  She will forever be loved “a bushel and a peck.”

A private memorial service will be held.  A Celebration of Life will be held at a later date.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a memorial contribution to The Alzheimer’s Disease Center Research Fund at RUSH. Contributions may be sent to the Office of Philanthropy, Rush University Medical Center 28057 Network Place Chicago, IL 60673-1280 or made by visiting https://rushgiving.com/remembercallieanneclark.  For any questions or assistance with your gift, please contact Audrey Regan at audrey_m_regan@rush.edu or call (312) 563-7717. 

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