Obituary of Martha M. Clark

Martha Maria Clark (Hardt), 90, of Hightstown, passed away peacefully on April 10, 2020, at home.

Martha was born in Wiesbaden, Germany to Otto Hardt and Katherine Malsy. As a young woman, she immigrated to the United States in 1952 and made Syracuse, NY her home. She became a proud US citizen in 1957. While she lived in Syracuse, she met and married Merlin “Red” Clark in March of 1962, and proceeded to travel all over the world with him during his 26-year U.S. Air Force career. Their favorite assignment was the nine years spent at RAF Woodbridge in Great Britain, where they made lifelong friends and collected many fond memories. Upon her husband’s retirement from the Air Force in 1979, they returned to Syracuse.

Martha had a passion for bowling, spending time in the garden and caring for her dogs. As a young girl, Martha dreamt of being a kindergarten teacher. She loved children and spent many hours volunteering in afterschool programs instilling her German ways and teaching arts and crafts.  

Martha is preceded in death by her husband, “Red”, and her siblings, Helga Cavanaugh, Fredi Hardt, Adolf Hardt and Ottmar Hardt.  

Martha is survived by her daughter, Pamela Clark Senatore; her son-in-law, David; her beloved grandchildren, Lauren Marie Titsch and her husband, Taylor and Nicholas Clark Senatore. She is also survived by a special niece, Bettina Hardt McElwee (Michael) and their son, Alexander. She loved being Alex’s Oma.  

They say that friends become your chosen family. Martha’s chosen family includes adopted son, Anthony (Dawn) Vincitore, her dear friend, Joanne (Thomas) Dotterer, and all of Joanne’s extended family, especially Henry and Maria. Her Durston Street “Tea Party” ladies also held a special place in her heart.

As per Martha’s wishes, there will be no service.

Martha always said that God is Nature. She loved elephants, ladybugs and wildflowers. If you wish, plant some wildflowers in her memory and think of her with a smile when they bloom.