Nancy Persing Clark, 86, died April 28, 2018, at Berkshire Medical Center after a sudden illness.
Nancy was a local West Stockbridge girl. Born Dec. 12, 1931, the only daughter to Dr. William E. and Dorothy (Nichols) Persing, she marveled that she remained “Doc Persing’s daughter” to this day. Nancy maintained decades-long friendships with girlhood friends Barb Fiorini, Dot Hotchkiss, Fran Toolin and Mary Genkos. She loved attending the Williams High School class of 1950 reunions.
Nancy adored her husband, Russell Clark, who died in 2001. They were married 25 years and lived every day with gratitude that they had found each other. She always remarked “we put each other first.” She will be buried by his side in West Stockbridge. Nancy was easy to be around and incredibly adaptable. After her husband’s death, she went on to live in Lenox and Granville, enjoying many years with the Ed Roberts family. After her return to Lenox, she loved socializing at the Lenox Community Center. The devotion of Nancy’s nephews Bill and Richard Persing made it possible for her to remain in her home. Her friend Mary Healy took care of her as if she were family.
Nancy was well read, loved MSNBC and, although a natural optimist, admitted it was a struggle since November 2016. Personally, she kept her peace, was nonjudgmental, and believed in kindness and inclusion: “If you don’t have anything nice to say, don’t say anything at all.” On Easter weekend 2018, Nancy moved into Sugar Hill Assisted Living in Dalton. There was hope for many years of happiness there, but the four weeks she lived there were a never-ending source of delight to her. She loved the graciousness, activities, fine dining and support in her new home. She likened it to being on the Queen Elizabeth cruise ship.
She will be dearly missed by her children Heather (Christopher) Biernacki, Gregory (Amie) Black, Linda (Brian) Dutil, Roberta (Brett) Clark, Russell (Nancy) Clark and Keith Clark; 15 grandchildren; and 12 great-grandchildren. Nancy was predeceased by her brother Reverend William Persing and wife Anne, and her brother John Persing. John’s wife, her good friend Sharon, continues to reside in West Stockbridge.
A celebration of her life will be held Sunday, May 6, 2018, at 1 p.m. at the Lenox Methodist Church. A gathering for friends and family will follow at Sugar Hill in Dalton. Burial will be private. To share memories and stories, visit rochefuneralhome.com.
