Opal E. Clark

Opal E. (Stewart) Clark of Phillipston, beloved mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, and sister, passed away on January 4, 2025 with family by her side. 

Born in Muncie, IN on April 10, 1930 to Jonathan P. and Alta (Miller) Stewart, she was one of 10 children. She is survived by daughters Rita E. Knower and husband Allan of Templeton and Rose Marie Clark of Athol as well as grandchildren Sheila Y. (Knower) Foley and husband Chris of Peabody, Brett A. Knower and wife Kelly and Linda E. Knower and significant other Ethan Sprague of Orange, great-grandchildren Laurien and Meghan Foley of Peabody, two sisters Trevia Utterback of Virginia, Rebecca Stewart of Indiana and numerous nieces and nephews. Her parents, former husband, four sisters and three brothers predeceased her.

Opal graduated from Yorktown High School, Mount Wachusett Community College and Fitchburg State College. After high school, she enlisted in the Army, becoming a member in the First Battalion of the Women's Regular Army after integration into the regular Army, a member of the Women's Rifle Team and was stationed in Virginia, Brooklyn New York, and served ten months on board the USAT George W. Goethals ship transporting supplies, cargo and rotation troops to England and occupied Germany. 

She married a Massachusetts Soldier while in the service and upon discharge, moved to Phillipston where she made her home thereafter, raising her family. She was a participant and Dedication Charter member of the WIMSA Memorial at the front gate to Arlington National Cemetery, a member of the Phillipston Congregational Church as well as a life member of the Phillipston Historical Society and Eugene O'Connor American Legion.

Having a passion for learning, she became an elementary teacher in Fitchburg and then in Athol for 28 years where she developed the Elementary Math Bee as well as being Regional Coordinator for the N.E. Math League. After retiring from teaching, she drove school buses for another 12 years for Merrifield Bus Company.

Opal served Phillipston in many capacities over the years as census taker, police women for 15 years, selectwoman for 27 years, Town Moderator for 21 years, Memorial Day Parade Marshall for 46 years, Capital Improvement planning committee for 16 years, Public Service Award Chair for 25 years, Route 2 Task Force, Montachusett Regional Planning Commission and the Finance Committee. She drafted the legislation for the Phillipston Investment Fund in 2000. Also transcribed five volumes of the early hand-written town meeting Records, Church records for 1800-1820, Library records for 1860-1950, Female Society of Industry records for 1843 and Whitcomb Civil War era diaries. She researched and documented the Phillipston veterans from the Revolutionary War through the current Cold War as well as the layout of the Phillipston town roads. Opal received the 1990 Public Service Award, the 2008 Unsung Hero Award at the Boston State House, and the Selectmen's Proclamation of the Opal Clark Day on June 1, 2012. Avery strong, independent woman, she has been dedicated to her family, community, and country.

It is with deep gratitude and appreciation, the family would like to thank Phillipston Rescue, the Health Alliance Team (Dr. David Havlin) Care Central visiting Nurses Team (Dr. John Harrington) and friends for all their care, compassion, support and dedication.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to Shriners Hospital For Children, 516 Carew Street Springfield MA 01104, Phillipston Historical Society C/O Jane French 60 Baldwin Hill Road, Phillipston, MA 01331 or Eugene O'Connor American Legion Post 0193 Winchendon, MA.

A celebration of life will be held at Mack Family Funeral Home, Athol-Orange Chapel, 110 New Athol Rd., Orange, MA on Friday, January 17, 2025 from 11:00AM-2:00 PM.