Submit a PhotoKaren Katz Clark passed away peacefully on February 28th, 2022, at the age of 67 after a courageous battle with cancer, surrounded by her family in their home in Gilbert. She will be forever remembered as a loving mother, wife, sister, aunt, grandmother and friend.
Karen leaves behind her loving husband of 44 years, Michael L. Clark, sons; Justin Clark and Ryan Clark, daughter; Sarah (Greg) Littleton, and granddaughters; Courtney Johnson and Eleanor Littleton, all of whom reside in Arizona. Sisters; Constance “Connie” (Richard) McCarthy, Michele Negley, Jennifer Katz and Lisa Katz, and brothers; David (Shantell) Katz and Jacob Katz; along with many nieces, nephews and friends.
She was preceded in death by her father, Michael V. Baker; mother, Janet Joann Katz; father, Austin M. Katz; and brother; Kevin M. Katz.
Karen completed her Bachelor’s degree at Oakland University in Michigan along with a Master’s degree in Counseling. After supporting her husband, Michael, through optometry school, Karen spent many years dedicated to her children and the Chandler School District. Karen brought great love, support and wisdom to her family and to her community, Always an advocate for education and children, she served on the Chandler School District Governing Board from 1997-2008. She helped to grow the Art Masterpiece program throughout the district and would often be heard telling students “every person is an artist” as she firmly believed art and education go hand in hand. This led to the eventual opening of the Karen Clark Art Gallery (2010) located in the Chandler School District office which displays beautiful student art from all over the district. The simplest pleasures in life brought great joy to Karen. She loved playing cards and games, exploring nature, laughing, quilting and serving as a generously insightful sage to her friends and family.
A Celebration of Life will be held on April 2nd from 2-3:30 pm at
The Karen Clark Art Gallery at Chandler Unified School District Office
1525 W Frye Rd., Chandler, AZ 85224
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Karen Clark Art Masterpiece fund
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Our hearts and prayers go out to Michael, Sarah, Ryan and Justin.
Dear Mike and the entire Clark family,
Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family during this difficult time.
Our Deepest Sympathy,
Tina and Jim DiFranco
Mike and family,
Karen was such an inspiration to us all as a friend, neighbor and leader.
We have so many great memories of our years in Bay View and Shumway and her legacy lives on in so many of us that she touched.
God Bless you all as you celebrate her life.
Tom and Lorraine Winterink
To Mike, Sarah and the entire family…
Karen was an incredible woman. I can’t tell you how much she helped as a parent leader at Shumway Elementary School. I have many fond memories of those times. Her work with the Art Masterpiece Program had a positive impact at Shumway and ultimately spread throughout the entire district. She was intelligent, confident, courageous and had an innate ability and desire to help others.