Rhiwbina pays its last respects to Mary Clarke BEM

Rhiwbina has paid its last respects to one of its most admired and loved daughters.

The funeral of Mary Clarke took place yesterday (Thursday 7 November) in Wenallt Chapel, Thornhill Crematorium.

A leading light in many aspects of village life over several decades, Mary was central to initiating and organising many of the events which continue today. Among many other roles, she was the lead flood defence warden, helped organise the festival, ran a stall for the Garden Village Association, was a lead member on the Conservation Committee, was the PACT chairman and ran the bookings for the Wendy House.

She was awarded the British Empire Medal for Services to the Community in 2018.

She died in October at the age of 87 after a long illness.

An obituary notice in the South Wales Echo described her as: "Dearly loved Mother to Robert. Much loved Grandmother to Matthew and Phoebe. Loved in-law to Suzie and Margaret. Loved Neighbour, member of the community and friend to many. Reunited with her late husband Alan, late sister Margaret and late brother Jeffrey".

In a social media post, long-serving Cardiff councillor for Rhiwbina, Jayne Cowan, wrote:

"Mrs Mary Clarke BEM was a one off. A character. A kind, charming and persuasive lady. A lady who did so much for Rhiwbina - her legacy will live on".