Shirley Cristina Clarke

It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of our beloved mother, grandmother, and friend, Shirley Cristina Clarke, on April 17, 2024, at the age of 91.

Shirley was born in Pittsburgh, PA on September 19, 1932 to Rose Bader and John Cristina and enjoyed her childhood growing up on Wible Run Road with her older brothers Raymond and Eugene Cristina and thrived in her high school years as a cheerleader and honors student. Shirley was independent and adventurous, joining the Foreign Service after high school, serving in Switzerland and France during the cold war, followed by a successful tenure at Alcoa Steel in Pittsburgh. Shirley met and married Wilfred J. Clarke and moved to Santa Barbara in the 1960’s, where they raised their children, Mary, John, Patricia, Kathleen, Maureen and Cristina. Shirley was a devoted mother to her children and enjoyed many fun-filled family events.

Shirley continued her career at UC Santa Barbara and was proud of her role providing administrative support for the university’s four natural reserves. She had a special fondness for Santa Cruz Island which she shared with her children. Upon her retirement, Shirley enjoyed traveling and spending time with family and friends and “living a peaceful life.”

Shirley is survived by her children, Mary (Paul) Dufek, Livermore, CA; John Clarke, Santa Barbara, CA; Patricia (Martin) Hurst, San Mateo, CA; Kathleen (Steve) Zumpone, Oceanside, CA; Cristina Clarke, Santa Barbara, CA; along with seven grandchildren, Justin (Giovana) Hurst, Danielle Dufek, Grant Dufek, Alea Hurst, Erik Olsen, Destiny Zumpone, and Joseyln Zumpone. Shirley is preceded in death by her husband Wilfred Joseph Clarke Jr. and her daughter Maureen Clarke (Jeffrey) Olsen.

A private family funeral service has been held. Rest in peace, dear Shirley, you will remain in our hearts forever.