Anna Clark

December 12, 1933 - December 11, 2015

Anna Teresa Partena Tomasos Clark was born on December 12th 1933, and was one of seven children. She was born in Venice, Italy and spent most of her youth in Naples where she lived and attended school upon graduation. She was preceded in death by her devoted husband William Coleman Clark, and her loving in-laws Sarah and Ray Clark who embraced her as her own when she arrived in the United States after marrying their son who was enlisted in the US Navy. Anna and Coleman were married on December 15th 1960. She was also preceded in death by her parents Adamantios Tomasos and Ernesta Partena. She is survived by her three daughters and two sons-in law Ernesta and Dan Shewell, Angela Tilley, and Cora Lee and Jimmy Blair. She is also survived by 11 grandchildren and their spouses. Victoria Anthony and husband London, Rebecca Harris, Troy Shewell and wife Megan, Sarah Dempsey and husband Blake, Jessica Zelaya and husband Gabe, Christina Tilley, Rachel Blair, Leah Blair, Zachary Tilley, Jacob Blair, and Michael Blair. In addition she was the proud grandmother of 11 great-grandchildren. She is also survived by her dear cousin Anna Lockwood of New Hampshire with whom she was raised, and is fondly remembered by her many nieces and nephews. Anna had a heart for hospitality and entertaining and always created a welcoming atmosphere in her home. No one was turned away from her door. Her stellar culinary skills were well appreciated by patrons of such restaurants as Village Inn, The Hub, The Nuts, The Sheraton, Shucker’s Pier 13, and 33 West. In 1981 she achieved her dream of opening her own restaurant, The Harbor House of Dover, which she operated with her husband Coleman for 12 years. They also owned The Pilot House Restaurant in Downtown Dover and expanded their entrepreneurial horizons to include Clark’s Collectibles and Clark’s Gifts. After the passing of her husband she opened a thrift store and donated the proceeds to Hospice of Delaware, because of the gentle care they provided for him during his last days at home. Anna was a loving and generous soul who extended her helping hand to many. During her years in retirement she assisted senior citizens with their in home care, including caring for her mother-in-law, Sarah, the last three months of her life. Anna’s passions in life were many, but none more than her passion for family and her faith. Her favorite pastime was playing and talking with her grandchildren whom she adored. She also enjoyed authentic Italian cooking, gardening, crocheting, knitting, and sewing. During her early years in the states she was often hired to work as a seamstress and particularly enjoyed making costumes for her children’s school plays. Her musical taste ranged from Frank Sinatra and Dean Martin to Connie Frances and Barbra Streisand. You could take the girl out of Italy but you couldn’t take Italy out of the girl. Her favorite actresses were always Sophia Loren and Gina Lollobrigida. She also had special memories of actor Peter Falk whom she dated during her youth in Italy, when he was a Merchant Marine. After he married years later, she enjoyed visiting with him and his wife during their travels to Italy. Anna lived an extraordinary life, one filled with beautiful memories that she loved to share with us in her unforgettable Italian accent. Our mother, grandmother, and friend will be sorely missed by us, and all those who had the privilege and pleasure to truly know her. Friends may visit Trader Funeral Home located at 12 Lotus St. Dover, Delaware on Wednesday December 16th from 5pm-7pm. Funeral services will be Thursday, December 17th at 11:00 am with interment followed at Lakeside Cemetery in Dover. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donations to Delaware Hospice. Letters of condolences may be sent to www.traderfh.com