Mary was born in Lead, South Dakota Oct 27, 1920 to Syd and Vi Lang and grew up in Belle Fourche.
After graduating from Belle Fourche High School she enrolled in St John’s School of Nursing and graduated in 1941. In 1943 she volunteered for the Army Nurse
Corps and was assigned to the 91st General Hospital unit in Oxford, England during World War II. Mary said “it was her privilege to have nursed so many young, brave men.” Over the years she maintained contact with several of the soldiers she cared for who credited her with helping save their lives. Mary resumed her civilian status in November 1945. Through the GI bill she took advantage of continuing education by going to anesthesia school and passing the national boards.
In 1947 while working at McKennan Hospital in Sioux Falls she met the love of her life, Al Clark and they were married on January 12, 1948. They moved to Rapid City where they raised two sons, Steve and Mark Clark. Mary worked as a nurse anesthetist at St John’s Hospital and her husband Al was a radio and TV personality for KOTA. In 1959 they moved to Winner where they purchased KWYR radio and Mary worked as a nurse anesthetist and administrator for the Baptist hospital.
Over the years in Winner she was active in the community and her compassion for her patients was frequently recognized by those in the medical profession and the patients themselves. In 1976 after her husband Al suffered a heart attack and had open heart surgery they transitioned to a residence in Scottsdale, Arizona, to enjoy golf, and a warmer climate. Al passed way in 1984 and Mary remained in Arizona with the many friends she had acquired. She had a passion for her dogs over the years and was a supporter of the Humane Society as well as VFW. She was able to visit Washington DC to visit the World War II Memorial and meet with Senator Mc Cain and attend a 50 year 91st General Hospital Reunion in Oxford, England. Mary enjoyed running, morning swims, movies, bridge, the Arizona Diamondbacks and the Phoenix Suns until she was diagnosed with Macular Degeneration and Alzheimer’s disease. In 2009 it was necessary for her to have 24 hour care and she moved to residential home in Scottsdale with several other Alzheimer’s patients. She had excellent care givers in her final years as well as visits from friends and family.
Mary was an amazing woman with a kind heart and sweet soul. She lived a full and vibrant life and for that we are so grateful!
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