Justina M. (Rice) Clark

Justina M. (Rice) Clark, 78, of Etters, and formerly of Philadelphia, passed away Tuesday, December 15, 2020 at her residence, with her children at her side. Daughter of the late Thomas and Justine (Megill) Rice, she was born on April 22, 1942 in Penns Grove, NJ.

Justina grew up in Philadelphia, and this is where she and her late husband, Richard B. Clark, would also raise a family of their own. Richard would work long days while Justina tended to the home and children; in the evenings, Justina would waitress at local restaurants to make ends meet for her family. For a stretch of time, she worked for Whitman’s Chocolates, Philadelphia, where she thoroughly enjoyed her employment, talking about it throughout the years. Justina focused on others and never presented her issues or problems to those around her, and this was an ongoing theme throughout her life. She would hold the family together with her hard work, constant support and unconditional love. However, there was silly side to her too, and just looking at her would bring a smile to your face. Her goofy antics, such as accidentally sending her family Christmas cards which were written in Spanish, or ordering silence during The Price Is Right’s hour-long broadcast each morning, are what made her unique and unforgettable. And while The Price Is Right was her favorite TV show, The Shawshank Redemption was undoubtedly her favorite movie – she easily watched it 100 or more times. She loved playing Bingo, especially during her years in Philadelphia. She was also an avid reader and enjoyed thrillers, particularly Stephen King’s works, but would sometimes settle on a good western novel. In her later years, her sight deteriorated, forcing her to transition to primarily audiobooks or watching (or listening to) Western films. Justina’s family will miss her big smile and her even bigger heart.

Justina leaves behind her children, Tammy Wasylkiw of Brandon, FL, Kimberly Clark of Etters, Sharon Rilling of Newport, and James Clark of Philadelphia; grand-children, Francis and Sean Schmincke, Scott and Richard Bruce, Danielle Ignazzitto, Beth Auman, Eric Thumma, Lee-Ann and Gary Rilling, and Christine, John, and Alison Wasylkiw; great-grandchildren, Kaliana, Keira, Kameron, Liam, Tierani, Sean Jr., Lailah, Rosalie, Clementine, Alexa, and Theo; siblings and their spouses, Charmaine Lutz (Nicky), Sue Ryan (Leo), Thomas Rice, Kathy Howell (Jack), Charlie Rice, and Jackie Rice; and many nieces, nephews and extended family members. In addition to her parents, Justina was preceded in death by her husband, Richard B. Clark; and two children, Joann Schmincke, and Richard Clark.

Justina’s graveside service and celebration of life will be postponed until social distancing restrictions are lifted. She will ultimately be reunited with her late husband and family in Mount Peace Cemetery, Philadelphia.