Beth Clark Obituary, Death – Sturbridge Educator and Beloved Mother Dies at 67

Beth Ann (Porter) Clark, a devoted mother, grandmother, educator, friend and Catholic, passed away on September 25, 2026. Born June 16, 1959, in Toledo, Ohio, Beth spent much of her childhood in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, before eventually making Sturbridge, Massachusetts, her home.

Her death was announced through an obituary published by Daniel T. Morrill Funeral Home in Southbridge. She leaves behind a family and community who remember her for her kindness, humor, faith and commitment to helping others.

A Life Dedicated to Education

Education was one of the defining parts of Beth’s life. She earned a master’s degree in Elementary Education from Indiana University of Pennsylvania and went on to dedicate her professional life to working with children.

Beth served as an enrichment teacher at Burgess Elementary School, where she developed meaningful relationships with her students. Her passion for education was influenced by her mother, and she carried that inspiration into her own work with young people.

After spending much of her earlier life in Ohio and Pennsylvania, Beth made Sturbridge her home for the final 20 years of her life.

Remembering Beth Clark

Those who knew Beth described her as loving, selfless and full of humor. She had a natural ability to make people smile and formed friendships that became much like family.

Her willingness to help others extended beyond her immediate circle. She was remembered as someone who could be counted on by relatives, friends, neighbors and anyone who needed support.

But family remained the greatest source of happiness in Beth’s life.

Family Was Her Greatest Joy

Beth is survived by her sons, Andrew J. Clark of Sturbridge and Jacob P. Clark and his wife, Kristin, of Northborough; her daughter, Hannah D. Trombley and her husband, Nathan, of Fiskdale; her brother, Robert J. Porter and his wife, Chris, of Toledo, Ohio; and her sisters, Mary Carolyn Porter of Sturbridge and Susan R. Jeffries and her husband, Merle, of Swanton, Ohio.

She also leaves five grandchildren: John Clark, Myla Trombley, Levi Trombley, Maci Trombley and Cleo Trombley, as well as numerous nieces and nephews.

Her children and grandchildren were at the center of her life, and some of her happiest memories came from spending time with them. She was known for telling her grandchildren, “I love you to the moon and back.”

Beth was preceded in death by her parents, James R. Porter and Mary (Bayer) Porter.

Faith and Catholic Community

Faith was another important part of Beth’s life. She was a devoted Catholic and a member of St. Anne and St. Patrick’s Parish in Fiskdale.

She believed deeply in Jesus Christ and the power of prayer, carrying her faith into the relationships she built and the way she served others.

Funeral Services

Calling hours for Beth Clark will be held Friday, October 2, from 5 to 7 p.m. at Daniel T. Morrill Funeral Home, 130 Hamilton St., Southbridge.

Her funeral Mass will take place Saturday, October 3, at 10 a.m. at St. Anne Church, 16 Church St., Sturbridge. Burial will be private and held at a later date.

In lieu of flowers, the family has requested donations to St. Anne and St. Patrick Parish, 16 Church St., Fiskdale, Massachusetts.

Beth Ann Clark leaves behind a legacy shaped by family, faith, education and service to others. Her memory will continue through her children and grandchildren, the students she taught, the friends she cherished and the many people whose lives she touched throughout her years in the community.