Hope Andrea Antoinette Clarke, 65, an Oak Park resident for 40 years, has died. Born on Sept. 22, 1952 in Westmoreland, Jamaica, she attended Excelsior High School, the University of the West Indies, and the University of Illinois Chicago where she earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Nursing.
A registered nurse at Rush Presbyterian University Hospital until her retirement in January 2018, she made the words “hope” and “help” synonymous. Whether actively helping patients, family and friends, or listening and bringing calm to a storm, her life’s work revolved around service to others. As a nurse, Hope was a constant professional and teacher; she crossed all lanes and blurred all lines. Doctors, nurses, clerks, transport and parking attendants would receive both the science and humanity of what contributed to excellent patient care.
She strived to be good at what she did and helped numerous teams achieve success. A friend first, she enjoyed being a grandmother, mother and sister to all.
Hope Clarke is survived by her son, Kristopher Murray; her daughter-in-law, Kristiana Murray; her grandchildren, Kristopher Murray II, Payton Brown, Kaspian Murray and Kingston Murray; her mother, Kathleen Cross; and her siblings, Lorraine Cross and Perez Cross.
A funeral service was held on July 9 at Oak Park’s St. Christopher’s Episcopal Church followed by private interment. The family appreciates memorials to St. Christopher’s Episcopal Church.
