In Memoriam: Lee Clark

Lee Clark
November 12, 1933 – February 12, 2023

Lee Clark 

Long-time Canyon Lake resident and former Canyon Lake Chamber of Commerce representative Lee Clark, 89, passed away Feb. 12, 2023 in her Canyon Lake home with family by her side. She was born Nov. 12, 1933 in Cooper, Texas.

Lee retired from Queen of the Valley Hospital in West Covina after 35 years of continued excellent service. In 1999, she sold her condominium and moved to Canyon Lake on Oct. 3.

After her red, white, and blue flag art was strategically placed around her home, the family began placing her cherished antiques on the walls and countertops. Outside, Lee placed her “Yellow Rose” stones near her front porch displaying her East Texas heritage. Much like the family farm in Cooper, Texas, she built a front patio where she could sit under the fan next to her American flag and read. Reading was one of her favorite pastimes.

In 2000, Lee was selected as the Canyon Lake Chamber of Commerce representative. Part of her chamber duties were to introduce herself and get familiar with the small businesses in the Canyon Lake Town Center. She became acquainted with the ladies at the Canyon Lake Library. Every week they would deliver two new novels. She would breeze through the books and then place them on the porch the following week as she waited for the next two new arrivals.

Working at the Canyon Lake Chamber of Commerce became her second love (her first, of course, was to her immediate family). She dedicated 10-12 hours per day in support of the local city businesses and special events. Soon, she was hosting political rallies in support of the Canyon Lake mayor and staff. Lee had many fond memories raising money for local businesses, grand openings of new business arrivals and making lifelong friends.

In 2009, Lee was named one of the California 37th Senate District’s Women of the Year.

She also had a passion for her Los Angeles Dodgers dating back to the Brooklyn Dodger era. When nearby City of Lake Elsinore opened its Minor A baseball club, she quickly became friends with the team managers and support group. She could be seen walking the community talking to business owners wearing her local Lake Elsinore Storm baseball cap.

From the Clark Family:

Special thanks to the City of Canyon Lake for embracing Mom and recognizing her love and dedication to Freedom, America, Family, Sports and Life. She had a commitment to making the community a safe and better place to live. Lee Clark is an American icon, a recognized hero within her community and a beloved mother, daughter, sister, and friend.

Lee Clark is survived by her brother Ron Bates, daughters Nancy Tocatlian and Judy Pruett of Canyon Lake, and son Jim Clark of Orange County. She is also survived by grandchildren Britni Clark, Brooklyn Clark, Matthew Anderson, Tim Tocatlian and Cort Pruett along with four great grandchildren.

Mom, we love you!