Gail Ann Clark
June 24, 1951 ~ June 17, 2018
Gail Starns Clark, 66, of Falls Church, passed away on June 17th. A beloved wife, mother, grandmother and sister, she will forever be remembered for her generous spirit, her love of family and her quick wit.
A Northern Virginia native, Gail was a graduate of Yorktown High School and Elon University. She was an avid reader and a member of a book club full of her fellow Yorktown Class of ’69 graduates. She loved travel and experiencing new countries and cultures. After raising her children, Gail returned to her career, working for the Risk Management Association and later for the American Public Works Association. In her retirement she enjoyed spending time with her grandchildren, taking French courses and volunteering at the Fairfax Library. She also enjoyed a circle of friends and neighbors with a shared love of the beautiful views and quiet days on the Northern Neck.
She is survived by her husband of 43 years, Don, son Ryan (Andrea) Clark of Fairfax, VA and daughter Laura (Karel) van der Mandele of Atlanta, GA, sister Carolyn Robinette and brother Doug (Deborah) Starns. She will be especially missed by her grandchildren Peter, Ingrid, Sophia and Emily.
Visitation will be held at 1pm followed by a Memorial Service at 2pm on Friday, June 22nd at Money and King Vienna Funeral Home, 171 West Maple Avenue, Vienna, VA 22180.
In lieu of flowers, a donation may be made in her memory to the Fairfax Library Foundation.
A Northern Virginia native, Gail was a graduate of Yorktown High School and Elon University. She was an avid reader and a member of a book club full of her fellow Yorktown Class of ’69 graduates. She loved travel and experiencing new countries and cultures. After raising her children, Gail returned to her career, working for the Risk Management Association and later for the American Public Works Association. In her retirement she enjoyed spending time with her grandchildren, taking French courses and volunteering at the Fairfax Library. She also enjoyed a circle of friends and neighbors with a shared love of the beautiful views and quiet days on the Northern Neck.
She is survived by her husband of 43 years, Don, son Ryan (Andrea) Clark of Fairfax, VA and daughter Laura (Karel) van der Mandele of Atlanta, GA, sister Carolyn Robinette and brother Doug (Deborah) Starns. She will be especially missed by her grandchildren Peter, Ingrid, Sophia and Emily.
Visitation will be held at 1pm followed by a Memorial Service at 2pm on Friday, June 22nd at Money and King Vienna Funeral Home, 171 West Maple Avenue, Vienna, VA 22180.
In lieu of flowers, a donation may be made in her memory to the Fairfax Library Foundation.
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Don, I was so saddened to read your email this morning about Gail’s passing. My deepest sympathy to you, Laura, Ryan and the grandchildren.
My sincere condolences, Don. I’m thinking of you and your family and wishing you comfort.
Keeping your family, friends, and you, Don, in our prayers as you celebrate Gail’s life and mourn her loss. We hope the many joyful memories – especially those spent in the last several years in your retirement – bring you comfort and peace during this time..
A candle was lit for the decedent.
Don, I am saddened to hear of the passing of your wife. You and your family are in our thoughts and prayers as you mourn your loss.
Russell Middleton
Don, Gail’s memory and love will always accompany us. We are so fortunate to have had you as friends and neighbors. Our sincere condolences to you and your family.
Dear Don, we are deeply sorry to hear about Gail’s passing. Our heartfelt thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. May God give you and your family much courage and strength to bear her loss and may your memories give you peace and comfort. May her soul rest in peace.
The Erdahl family
Don, my sincere condolences on the loss of Gail. She always was warm, smiling, and helpful to me and my family, especially when we were in Atlanta. She was a class lady . My love and prayers to you, Laura, and Ryan in your hours of sorrow.
Don, I’m so sorry to hear about Gail’s passing. I know we all have great memories of Gail. Don, my best regards and condolences to you and your family.
Dear Don,
We would like to extend our condolences. Your family has always been nothing but warm and kind to us. You are in our thoughts.
Don, May peace and comfort find you during this difficult time. You are in our thoughts and prayers. -Joseph and Lovi Washington.
Don & Family, We are so very sorry for your loss. Please find comfort knowing that Gail was always surrounded by the care and thoughts of all those that loved her dearly. Our fondest memories of Gail will live on forever in our hearts. – Steve & Jo Ann Rode
A candle was lit for the decedent.
Don, my thoughts and prayers go out to you and your family in this time of loss. May your memories give you peace and comfort. Joy Strickland
Don, I’m so very sorry for your loss. Please know that you and your family are in my prayers.
Don, Your love for And devotion to Gail will always inspire and strengthen all who call you friend. She’s with you now and always will be. Bless you both. Mac McAtamney
Don, As stated in the cards, I am truly sorry to hear about Gail. The few times I interacted with her in Atlanta and again in McLean made me realize why you always talked of her so fondly. She was so kind, friendly and inviting of others. You and your family are in my thoughts and prayers. God bless you, Sharon
Gail was a wonderful colleague, mentor and friend during our time at RMA. Wishing her family comfort and peace during this difficult time. MaryBeth (Cholewiak) Kurland
I had the honor of knowing and working with Gail at APWA for so many years. She was an amazing person and am amazing professional. May you know how respected she was across the US and Canada. Our thoughts and prayers are with her family.
To Gail’s Family,
Although you and I have never met, I wanted you to know how much I appreciated the privilege of working with Gail during my time on the APWA Board of Directors and as the Interim Executive Director for APWA. She was a true lady, a hard worker, a compassionate person and very diplomatic in dealing with a wide variety of member personalities. I am very saddened to learn of her passing away and my sincerest condolences to each of you.
Larry Frevert, APWA Past President (2007-08)
We are deeply sorry for your loss. Death is never natural, even when a loved one has lived many years. Please accept this comfort from the scriptures. Isaiah chapter 41 verse 10 says, “Do not be afraid, for I am with you. Do not be anxious, for I am your God. I will fortify you, yes, I will help you, I will really hold on to you with my right hand of righteousness.”
So sad to hear of the passing of Gail. I enjoyed working with Gail from afar being the international representative for the Institute of Public Works Engineering Australasia (IPWEA). Gail was the staff member who coordinated the international and Canada outreach for APWA. Sincere condolences to Gail’s family – her kindness reached a long way. Chris Champion, Director International and former CEO, IPWEA, Sydney Australia.
On behalf of the APWA Board of Directors and staff we want to extend our deepest sympathy to Mrs. Clark’s family. She was truly a tremendous supporter of APWA and a delightful person.
Bo Mills, APWA President 2017-18
Gail reminded me at our 40th reunion of an adventure we had in 8th grade when we rode our bicycles into Georgetown one day. As soon as she mentioned it I had vivid recollections of that journey. Particularly carrying out bikes down the stairs that existed at the time from Chain Bridge to the C&O Towpath below. Wow.