November 16, 1914 – June 2, 2010
On Tuesday, June 2, 2010, after an extended illness, Kaye Clarke, age 95, died peacefully in her own home with family present.
With good humor, even temper, a considerate word and a smile, Kaye was a beloved friend to all who knew her, and will be missed dearly. Smart as a whip, Kaye was valedictorian of her graduating class of Vashon Island High School in 1932, and earned an accounting degree at Metropolitan College in Seattle. She could ace any crossword puzzle that came her way, and she adored playing along with television trivia games.
A bookkeeper by trade, Kaye loved numbers, and enjoyed playing Bridge, Cribbage, or any card game with friends and family. Also extremely clever with her hands, Kaye taught Bunka, a specialized form of Japanese embroidery, for over 30 years both in Alaska and out of her West Seattle home. Her art hangs in private collections, museums, restaurants, businesses, and government buildings in Alaska and Washington State.
Kaye was raised on Vashon Island, WA, by her parents, Grace and Axel H. Petersen, with brothers A. Jack Petersen (d. 2009) and George Petersen (Joan). Kaye also spent many years with husband T. Glenn Newell (d 1985) in Anchorage, Alaska, before returning to the Seattle area.
In 1994, after reconnecting with close childhood friend Ward Clarke, the two were very happily married until his death in 2006. Ward & Kaye shared a passion for travel, exploring the world primarily by cruise ship. She always said she was very lucky to have two great loves in her life.
Kaye often said that the greatest joy in her life was her family. She was mother to Thomas G Newell, Jr.(Cheryl) and Stephany Watson (Wilbur), grandmother to Thomas, III (Stephanie), Carma Hansel (James), Joseph (Debbie), Andrew, and Jill, and great-grandmother to 8 children. She is survived and loved by many other relatives. Donations may be made in Kaye’s honor to one of her favorite charities: Seattle Children’s Hospital, The American Cancer Society, or the American Red Cross.
The family wishes to offer a special thank you to the wonderful caring Providence of Seattle Hospice team who were always there when she needed them.
A memorial will be held on Sunday, June 13, 2:30 p.m., in the Community
Center of the Chateau at Valley Center: 4450 Davis Ave. S., Renton, WA.
(paid obituary)
