Carolyn Anne (Umbel) Clarke, 70, of Thurmont, MD, died peacefully with her family at her side on Tuesday, October 18, 2016 at St. Joseph’s Ministries in Emmitsburg, following a protracted battle with cancer.  Born September 1, 1946 in Gettysburg, PA, she was the daughter of the late Wilbur and Helen Eyler Umbel.  She grew up in a large, loving family of five brothers and two sisters.  She was the devoted wife of Paul Clarke, to whom she was married for 44 years.

              She is also remembered as a devoted mother, sister, aunt, grandmother and great-grandmother, who touched the lives of everyone she met in a most positive way by having a kind word and caring attitude toward all.  Carolyn was a teacher, and taught for many years at Thurmont Elementary School.  She loved working in her flower garden, and welcoming family and friends to her home in Thurmont.  She hosted many family holiday meals, and especially enjoyed the Colorfest Weekend, because it brought all of her family together at her home for yard sales, fellowship, and the sharing of memories.  She cherished the Umbel and Clarke reunions, where she was always “large and in charge” of the annual egg toss contest.

            Surviving in addition to her husband are sons, Kevin Clarke and wife Jennifer of Washington, PA, Mark Clarke of Sutton, WV, and Tim Clarke and wife Becky of Rocky Ridge; daughter, Jennifer Wolfe and husband Elvin of Frederick; siblings, Beatrice Umbel, Austin Umbel, and Dave Umbel all of Emmitsburg, Ruth Clarke of Mechanicsburg, PA, Bill Umbel of Wyomising, PA, Jim Umbel of Littlestown, PA, Clarence Umbel of Gordonville, PA, and Jack Umbel of Thurmont;11 grandchildren; 1 great-grandchild; and numerous nieces and nephews.  She is also remembered by a very special niece, Anne Benjamin of Thurmont.

            A memorial service to celebrate Carolyn’s life will be held at 11 a.m. Saturday, October 22, 2016 at Myers-Durboraw Funeral Home, 210 W. Main St., Emmitsburg, MD, with the Rev. Charles F. Krieg, C.M. officiating.  Inurnment will follow at Emmitsburg Memorial Cemetery where Carolyn will be interred in the family plot.  The family will receive friends from 10 a.m. until the time of the service at the funeral home.

The family wishes to extend special thanks to Katie Cassidy, Carolyn’s Hospice Nurse, for her excellent work and loving care; Hospice of Frederick County; the staff at St. Joseph’s Ministries; and for all the assistance received from the Myers-Durboraw Funeral Home in making the arrangements for Carolyn.  In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Hospice of Frederick County, 516 Trail Ave., P.O. Box 1799, Frederick, MD, 21702. 

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