Jeanne Fredrikson Clark

It is with both sadness and gratitude that we announce the passing of our beloved mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother, Jeanne Elaine (Fredrikson) Clark, aged 83. She peacefully entered heaven’s gates on September 14, 2026, and her presence here will be missed.

Born on November 27, 1942 in Bradford, PA to the late Martin and Ellen (Landen) Fredrikson, she was raised in Cuba, NY by her mother and grandmother (Alma Landen) after her father died when she was eleven months old. Her family eventually grew to include her loving step-father, Henry Stickel, and a sister, Edna (Stickel) Folley. Jeanne graduated from Portville Central Schools in Portville, NY in 1960, and then SUNY Geneseo in 1964 with a degree in Education. Jeanne married Herbert Henry Clark (US Air Force) that same year, in August. Making their home in East Aurora, NY, Jeanne was a third grade teacher for three years before becoming a mother and homemaker. She would share fond memories about that season of her life, and always maintained a special affinity for that age group all of her days. Jeanne and Herb then moved to Elma, NY in 1967. Their eventual four daughters in total were raised there, and that time was filled with many dear friendships and happy memories. In 1997, Jeanne moved to Durham, NC, joining her adult children, and worked for Midway Airlines and later the SEE Program at the US EPA. Jeanne spent her retirement years in Durham, enjoying her children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren, all of whom survive her. She always kept up with her family’s many birthdays and milestones and would light up especially whenever she got to hold one of the babies. Jeanne lived with her daughter Wendy, and supported her through many entrepreneurial and visionary endeavors. Jeanne’s Swedish heritage has always been a source of joy to her, and throughout her lifetime she maintained close correspondence with many of her Scandinavian aunts,uncles, cousins and their families. In addition to visiting Sweden twice, Jeanne often hosted her Swedish relatives when their travels brought them to the United States. She clung to a faith in Jesus from as far back as she could remember, and took comfort in the classic hymns of her Lutheran background. We rejoice that she is now dwelling in that peace and healing for which she had for so long had hope.

To cherish Jeanne’s legacy are daughters: Lisa (Daniel) Hassler of Durham, NC, Heidi (Charles III) Mandelin of Durham, NC; Wendy Clark of Durham, NC; and Jessica (Garry) Butler of Conover, NC.

Sister Edna Folley of Ohio,

Grandchildren Andrew (Rachel) Hassler, Elizabeth (Jacob) Sutton, Jonathan (Miriam) Hassler, Hannah (Scott) Hannah, Jane (Andrew) Lovette, Emma, Maria, Esther and Rebecca Hassler, Charles IV, Benjamin, Nicholas, Emily, Matthew and Grace Mandelin, Viktor and Kathryn Clark, and Clara Jane, Anna, Samuel, Nathan, Caroline and Sarah Butler

Great Grandchildren: Lydia, Derek, Alexandra, Victoria and Josiah Hassler, Melody, Cosmo and Lillian Sutton, Ellis Hassler, and Lorraine and David Lovette

Celebration of Life service will be held at 12 noon Friday, September 18, 2026 at Faith Alliance Church, 1309 Umstead Road, Durham, NC. Burial will be at Maplewood Cemetery, privately, prior to the service.