Louise Marie (Clark) Best

Louise Marie (Clark) Best, 90, beloved wife of F. Richard 'Dick' Best, passed away peacefully on January 3, 2023 at the Kaplan Family House in Danvers after a long and courageous battle with cancer.

 ‘Lou’ was born on her mother’s birthday, May 3, 1932, in Waltham, daughter of the late Leroy C. Clark and I. Marie (Noel) Clark. She was raised in Melrose, graduating from Melrose High School in 1950. Lou continued her education at Massachusetts School of Art, where she met her future husband, and received a BFA in Fashion and Design in 1954. Lou and Dick were married in 1955 and settled in Ipswich on outer Linebrook Road in 1958 where they began raising their  family.

Lou will be remembered for her creative talents, which she put to good use by teaching art at the Doyon School. Her goal was to inspire every student to explore their own creative talents. Long after retirement, past students continued to let “Mrs. Best” know that art class was their favorite subject in elementary school. Many discussed passing along her inspiration using class work still in their possession as templates for new projects with their own children.

She was a devoted parishioner of St. Joseph’s Church, now known as Our Lady of Hope Parish, in Ipswich where she worked tirelessly organizing and running the Bingo program. Continuing to put her creative skills to work, coupled with her dedication to her faith, Lou co-authored “Our Branch of the Vine” with Mary P. Conley. The book, published by the Centennial Book Committee in 1990, narrates the 100-year history of St. Joseph’s Church.

‘Lou’ loved to knit and sew. Family members are always sporting mom’s homemade sweaters, which will continue to be passed down through the generations. She was also an avid reader and loved her crossword and sudoku puzzles, which, by the way, were always completed in ink.

In addition to her loving husband Dick, she is survived by her three sons, Michael A. Best and his wife Patricia of Hampton Falls, NH, Christopher J. Best and his wife Kimberly of Ipswich and T. Scott Best of Ipswich; two grandchildren Travis C. Best and his wife Deserae of Casco, Maine and Chelsey M. Best and fiancé Lou Sarofeen of Livermore Falls, Maine and six great-grandchildren, Odele, Rohan, Alpharius, Nova, Gideon and Remington. She was the sister of the late Robert N. Clark.

Her funeral service will be held at 11 am Thursday, January 12, in the Whittier-Porter Funeral Home, 6 High Street, Ipswich followed by interment in the New Highland Cemetery, Ipswich. Family and friends are cordially welcomed. Memorial contributions in her memory may be made to Riverside Care Advisors, 246 High Street, Newburyport, MA 01950.

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