Sister Mary Corita Clarke, RDC (formerly Anne Marie Clarke), a Sister of the Divine Compassion, passed away peacefully on August 11, 2020.
Sr. Corita was born in New York City in 1932, the daughter of Joseph Clarke and Margaret Walsh Clarke. Sister attended St. Bernard’s Elementary School and Good Counsel Academy High School in White Plains. She graduated from Good Counsel College where she earned a BA in English. Sister also received her MA in Theology from St. John’s University, an MPS Degree from Loyola University, and a Doctor of Ministry Degree from Immaculate Conception Seminary.
For many years Sister taught at various schools beginning at St. Lawrence O’Toole in Brewster, St. John’s in Mahopac and Preston High School in the Bronx. She also attended graduate school and gave many workshops on Spirituality. Sister was also an Adjunct Professor at Fordham University. Her work in spirituality led to her appointment to the Divine Compassion Center for Spiritual Renewal where she spent many years offering programs and giving spiritual direction.
Sister Corita also published many articles on matters pertaining to church history and spiritual practices. She also published a book, Spirituality for Active Ministry.
Sr. Laura Donovan, President of the Sisters of the Divine Compassion, said “I have loved you with an everlasting love. I have called you and you are mine.” Surely over the years Corita was inspired and strengthened by this image of God’s love, and indeed, her ministries of education and spiritual direction reflected her trust in the generous love of God.
Sr. Mary Corita is survived by her Sisters of the Divine Compassion, her siblings Joseph Clarke, Vincent Clarke and Bernadette Clarke as well as many nieces, nephews, grandnieces and grandnephews. All of Sister’s in-laws played a very important role in the life of the Clarke family. She was predeceased by her brother, Peter.
