Portsmouth, NH – Marilee “Mary and Geema” Karkota Clark, 76, passed away peacefully on Sunday, November 13, 2022. Marilee was born on February 6, 1946, in Sioux City, IA, to Alexander and Genevieve (Lande) Karkota.
Marilee graduated from Armijo Joint Union High School in Fairfield, California, in 1964. She had been a dedicated nurse for over 50 years and had a genuine passion for nursing and education. She and her family are extremely proud of her accomplishments. She earned her Practical Nursing License in 1974 at Metropolitan Technical Community College. She earned an Associate Degree in Nursing from New Hampshire Technical College in 1996 and became a Registered Nurse. She didn’t stop there. She continued her education and graduated with a Bachelor of Science in Organizational Management from Daniel Webster College in 2002. Her most recent educational achievement, at the age of 71, was a Bachelor of Science in Nursing from Granite State College. As with everything in her life, she always went above and beyond what was expected of her, achieving not just 100% but 110%.
Marilee’s nursing career was extensive, she worked in multiple hospitals and had many specialties. Her career started as a volunteer candy striper and grew from there, to include critical care, psychiatric and pediatric nursing. Marilee’s focus near the end of her career was on home care for extremely ill children and babies until she became ill herself. While devoted to her patients and family, her natural instinct was to care for everyone, leaving an indelible mark on those whose lives she touched.
Marilee loved to travel, especially with her loving husband, Hal. If you couldn’t find her camping in the RV you could find her on a cruise in the middle of the ocean, or perhaps at the Worlds largest Truckstop on Iowa 80 W. In her free time, she would take courses to continue her education and enjoy time in the garden with her fur- babies, Ricky and Lola. Marilee took pride in cooking for her family whenever she got the chance, especially during Sunday Lunches. She loved “chatting” and was a skilled conversationalist, spending hours talking with family and friends. Her passion for politics would draw us all into the discussion.
Marilee will be forever loved by her Husband of 29 years, Hal; Her loving Children, Heather, Jen, and Darrin; and Stepson, Hazen; Fur-Babies, Ricky, and Lola; Her loving Grandchildren; Courtney, Megan, Ben, Hailey, Regan, Quinn, Dora, and Albin; Sister, Alexis; Nieces, Jessica and Erin; Nephew, Alex. Marilee is joining her Parents, Alexander and Genevieve, and her loving dog Lucy in eternal life.
Marilee would like to thank her family at Holy Trinity Lutheran Church in Newington, NH for their caring support. The Family would like to thank the incredible nurses, doctors, and all supporting staff (who became family) from Dana-Farber Cancer Institute and Brigham and Women’s Hospital in Boston, MA for their compassionate and loving care. Especially Dr. Marlise Luskin, Dr. Philips, Theresa NP, Nori RN, Jennifer RN, and Donna PCA.
Services: A time of visitation will be held from 11am – 1pm with a memorial service immediately following on Saturday, November 26, 2022 at J. Verne Wood Funeral Home – Buckminster Chapel, 84 Broad Street, Portsmouth. In lieu of flowers donations can be made to Dana-Farber Cancer Institute of Boston, MA, https://www.dana-farber.org/ – an organization Marilee supported during her life. For online condolences, visit: www.jvwoodfuneralhome.com.