Obituary of Florence Clarke Smith

Florence C. Smith, Age 78, departed this life on February 18, 2021.  She was born in West Roxbury, MA on May 17, 1942, the daughter of Howard R. and Florence G. (Riley) Clarke, and grew up in West Pembroke, ME. 

Florence graduated from Washington State Teachers College (kna UMM) with a Bachelor of Science in Education and began a lengthy teaching career that included years with both the Bangor and Brewer school departments, with a hiatus during which she stayed at home to raise her family. Florence was a devoted and proud Mother, Grandmother and Aunt. 

Florence's passion was education.  She was a caring teacher and loved each of her Pre-K, Kindergarten, First and Second Grade students.  She loved all children and had a special way of connecting with every child she met.  Florence led an active life and enjoyed spending time outdoors with her family and close friends and in recent years was an active member of the East Orrington Congregational Church.

Florence is survived by her two sons and their spouses:  Steven and Sabrina of Albany, NY and Robert and Amanda of Brewer, ME.  She was “Grandma Florence” to Cameron, Nicholas, Cassandra and Landon of Albany and “Nana” to Alyssa, Matthew and Reese of Brewer.  Her surviving family includes her sister-in-law, Jean Clarke of Bellingham, WA and brother-in-law, Pavel Bocek of Prague, as well as several nephews and a niece.  In addition to her parents, Florence was predeceased by her brothers, Howard, Robert and Charles Clarke.

The family would like to thank Woodlands Senior Care and Kindred Hospice Care, and their respective staffs, for their kindness and compassion while taking care of Florence. 

Florence will be interred in Pembroke, Maine.  Due to COVID-19 concerns, no public services will be held.  In lieu of flowers, please contribute to Penquis Child Development Head Start Program, in memory of Florence Smith, P.O. Box 1162 Bangor, ME  04402.