Obituary of Celia L. Clark

Celia L. Clark, watercolor painter, passed away on the 6th of April 2024, at home in Meredith, NY, with her daughters by her side, aged 89.  She was born in Delhi NY, the daughter of Lynn Scott Clark and Mildred Truscott Clark.  She grew up on the family dairy farm, now run by her nephew Tom Clark and his son, Kyle.  She was raised with her brothers, David and Peter Clark and sister Lois Clark Stalter.  They were merry pranksters who nearly drove the neighbors to distraction.  Her mother taught her to identify many trees and wildflowers which later figured in her paintings, as did the family Holsteins.  Many hours were spent roaming the woods and fields after milking.

Celia graduated from Delaware Academy and attended Syracuse University where she worked hard and had lots of fun, making lifelong friends.  She was a founding member of the sorority, Alpha Sigma Sigma, which was just a vehicle for mischief and hi jinks.   She earned both a BFA and an MFA from Syracuse, focusing on ceramic sculpture, and spent many years in Syracuse raising her family.  Later in life, she began to study with a gifted watercolorist, Susan Spencer, and this became her chosen medium.  She was honored with membership in the American Watercolor Society and the National Watercolor Society and entered many competitions, often winning awards.   Celia returned to Delhi over 20 years ago and often painted scenes from Delaware county.  She was fortunate to be able to travel the country with Lois and Ken and friends, especially enjoying Utah and Arizona.  With her children she travelled to India and Nepal.  All of this was reflected in her art.

Celia was predeceased by her son, Scott Heinzerling, her siblings David and Lois, in laws Linda Clark and Ken Stalter, and nephew Dr. Ken Stalter.  She is survived by her daughters Hollis Heinzerling of Meredith and Heidi Heinzerling of Syracuse.  She also leaves behind her brother, Pete Clark (Lauren), sister in law Reeva Clark and her children, nieces Lori (Scott) White, Terri (Marty) Stallone, and Janice Stalter and nephews Shane (Heather) Stalter, and Tom (Andrea) Clark and their children.   She will also be missed by several cousins and dear friends, including the McHale family.

Celia left a legacy of beautiful paintings and a love of the natural world which she shared with family and friends.  We remember her immense kindness, sense of humor and the joy she took in being outdoors.  In her memory spread some birdseed and whistle for chickadees or take a walk in the woods and look for spring wildflowers.

Interment will be private.  A celebration of life will be held this summer.  Contributions can be made in her memory to The World Wildlife Fund, The Nature Conservancy, your local Land Trust or simply plant a tree in her memory.

Please visit www.macarthurfh.com to share a condolence with Celia’s family.