Lillian Meredith Clarke, born on June 3, 1945, in Providence, Rhode Island, passed away peacefully on January 25, 2026, at the age of 80.

Meredith spent her early years in Rhode Island and then moved around to several places in South Florida before making Merritt Island, Florida, her longtime home. There she built a life filled with family, warmth, and deep roots — a life that touched everyone blessed to know her.

She was a devoted and loving wife, sharing 62 cherished years of marriage with her husband, Tom. Together, they created a family grounded in loyalty, compassion, and unwavering devotion.

Meredith was the proud mother of Jenny Warner (Clarke), Tom Clarke II, Heather Boogaerts (Clarke), and Kimberly Arnold (Clarke). Her love reached across a large and closeknit family that brought her endless joy.

She leaves behind many beloved family members who will forever hold her memory close:

Danny Warner, Tommy Asbury II, Cherese Lima, April Gantz, Jeffrey Gantz, Parker Gantz, Oliver Gantz, Penelope Gantz, Rory Gantz, Samantha Clarke, Tom Clarke III, Cooper Clarke, William Boogaerts, William Boogaerts II, Sarah Bateman (Boogaerts), Jake Bateman, Robert Arnold, Talan Arnold, Ryder Arnold, Tommy Asbury and Colleen Kidger (Clarke) and Family.

Meredith was a kind and gentle soul, someone whose presence brought comfort and peace to everyone around her. She had a warm, gentle, calming voice — the kind that made the world feel softer. Simply hearing her speak brought comfort, peace, and happiness to those she loved.

She spoke with wisdom and love, offering guidance that was thoughtful, steady, and heartfelt. Much of that wisdom came from her own mother (our Gumby), who once told her, "Everyone can't wait for the golden age, but even the gold has rust around the edges." Meredith carried these words throughout her life, embracing both joy and challenge with grace.

Beneath her gentleness was a quiet strength, a foundation that carried her family through life's happiest moments and hardest seasons. Her family was always her priority, and she gave everything she had to keep everyone close, connected, and cared for. More than anything, she was the glue that held us together — Meredith was the heart of the home, the organizer of every gathering, the last one to eat, rest and relax and the first one preparing for the next get together.

Meredith made every family gathering special. She would spend any amount of time, effort, and sometimes even money to ensure everyone was happy. Her thoughtful touches, her generosity, and her desire to bring everyone together transformed simple moments into lifelong memories.

She also passed down cherished recipes tied to holidays, gatherings, and everyday moments. These dishes, taught with patience and love, will continue to bring her family together and keep her presence warmly felt in every kitchen.

She taught everyone the true meaning of family — that love is active, that togetherness is worth every sacrifice, and that joy is found in caring for one another. And regardless of location, whether near or far, in familiar surroundings or new places, she made family always feel like home.

Meredith had a heartfelt gift for storytelling, sharing memories from her childhood with her children, grandchildren, and greatgrandchildren. These stories became treasured threads woven through the generations.

She loved to sing lullabies, passing these soft, soothing melodies from her youththrough each generation. These songs have become part of the Clarke family's history, echoing her tenderness and warmth.

She was also a faithful Catholic, someone who loved and trusted God with her whole heart. She followed His path as closely as she could, and her faith brought her courage and profound peace. Meredith did not fear death, because she knew she was going home — home to the Lord she loved.

Her love, compassion, strength, faith, and gentle heart touched countless lives.

You were the calm within our storms, the soft voice that soothed our fears, the gentle hands that held us close through laughter and through tears.

You were the warmth in every winter, the peace in every day, a light that never dimmed for us, no matter what came our way.

Your stories stitched our hearts together, threaded with wisdom and care; each memory you shared with us still lingers everywhere.

Your lullabies became our comfort, your recipes our guide, your love a steady compass that led us safely through our lives.

You taught us what a family is— not simply blood or name, but choosing love, choosing unity, and showing up, again, and again.

You made every gathering sacred, every space a place to belong; you proved that home is not a house, but the people who feel loved and strong.

Your faith was deep and certain, your trust in God complete; you did not fear the journey home— you knew His arms were sweet.

Now we hold you in our memories, in every story, every song; in the quiet strength you gave us, that helps us carry on.

And though we walk this road without you, your love will never fade— for unity lives in the hearts you shaped, and in the family you made.

Meredith, forever our blessing, forever our guiding light… Your legacy is love and unity, and it holds us through the night.

Her legacy is love and unity — a legacy built from a lifetime of kindness, sacrifice, and unwavering devotion to her family.