Remembering Molly

Molly Jean Clarke lived her life with a joy and sincerity that touched everyone she met. She was the heart of our family — quick with a smile, steady in her faith, and always ready to lend a hand. She loved animals, the outdoors, and the simple rhythms of daily life, but what shone most brightly was the way she cared for people. Molly had a gift for noticing others and making them feel valued, whether it was a classmate at school, a friend at church, or her younger cousins who admired her. At home, she was a devoted big sister to Mara — patient, playful, and protective, with a love that came so naturally.

From a young age, Molly dreamed of becoming a teacher. She had a natural way of guiding, encouraging, and helping others learn — it was clear she was meant to lead a classroom. At the same time, her deep faith and prayerful spirit opened her heart to the possibility of a religious vocation. Whether she became a teacher in a school or answered the call to religious life, her path was always oriented toward serving others with compassion and love. That was simply who Molly was.

She carried her faith quietly but firmly, living it out in the ways she showed up for her family, her parish, and her community. Molly’s life, though far too short, was full of meaning. She embraced both work and play with energy, loved time outdoors, and found joy in both the ordinary and the sacred. Those who knew her remember her steadiness, her kindness, her big-sister heart, and her deep well of faith that grounded everything she did.

Molly’s legacy continues to shape my own journey. Out of the grief of losing her has come a calling: to help schools, educators, and communities become more grief literate, so that no child or family walks through loss alone. Her life inspires me daily in the work of My Journey Consulting — to strengthen schools, nurture compassionate classrooms, and remind others that hope can grow even in the hardest seasons. Molly’s story lives on in every effort to bring both excellence and compassion into the lives of students and educators.