Obituary

At the age of 91, Ione "Onie" Bordes Clark peacefully entered into eternal rest on Monday, May 15, 2023 in the comfort of her home surrounded by her loving family. Onie was born in New Orleans, Louisiana, on April 29, 1932, to Paul Joseph Bordes and Hilda O. Fogg Bordes. She is survived by her adoring children Lisa Clark Barry Pretus (Ralph) and Carl Gerard Clark; her warm hearted daughter-in-law, Michele DeFelice Clark; her loving grandchildren, Ray James Guepet III, Melanie Jeanne Barry, Andrew Grant Clark IV, Christian Lloyd Clark, Joseph DeFelice Clark, Benjamin Meyers Clark, and Phillip Michel Clark; and her precious great grand-children, James Matthew Guepet, Ellen "Ellie" Tyler Guepet, Katherine Morfea Clark, Andrew Grant Clark V, Walter Andrew Clark, and Turner Lee Clark; and her caring sister Audrey Bordes Porter. Ione will be dearly missed by a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, caretakers, and wonderful lifelong friends. Ione was preceded in death by her loving husband Andrew Grant Clark Jr., devoted son Andrew Grant Clark III, affectionate parents Paul and Hilda Bordes and loyal sister Janice Catherine Bordes Van Geffen. A native of New Orleans, and proud resident of Covington for over 23 years, Ione earned a bachelor's degree of science in nursing from Loyola University of New Orleans. After college, she began an impactful career as a Medical Technology Professor at Loyola University. She also taught religious studies at Mount Carmel Academy in Lakeview, New Orleans. Ione was a devout Catholic throughout her entire life and would never miss an opportunity to provide biblical lessons to her family and friends. She was a long time parishioner and Eucharistic Minister of St. Benedict Catholic Church in Covington. Additionally, she was a devoted member of the Cardinal Key Honorary Society and the Ladies Altar Society. Ione's faith was radiant, she had an immeasurable ability to see Jesus in every life experience, both good and bad. Ione never missed a chance to pray with and for people, and constantly reminded those around her of the beauty of having a strong faith. Ione was loving, selfless, compassionate, and most of all a very caring person to all. She never met a stranger and would regularly invite people from all walks of life into her home. Onie enjoyed spending time in her gardens, sitting on her back porch, sharing colorful stories of her youth, reminiscing about her late husband Andrew G. Clark Jr., and observing all of the wildlife her backyard had to offer. Ione's greatest passion was spending time talking with her loving family and friends. She was a unique and irreplaceable lady, well respected and liked by all who she encountered, and will be deeply and dearly missed by the countless lives she touched. Her jovial spirit and tender nature will remain in the many memories of her cherished friends and family until they meet her again. The Clark family expresses their deepest gratitude to the outstanding care provided by her live in sitter, Wendy Helmke-Stone. We thank the dedication of St. Tammany Parish Hospice and have the utmost appreciation for all of her sitters, nurses, and healthcare teams over the years. It is without surprise that Onie considered many of these people her family. In lieu of flowers, please kindly consider memorial contributions made to St. Tammany Parish Hospice in memory of Ione Bordes Clark. Donations may be mailed to 4410 Highway 22 Mandeville, Louisiana, 70471. Relatives and friends are invited to celebrate the life of Ione at St. Benedict Catholic Church, 20370 Smith Road, Covington Louisiana 70435 on Friday, May 26, 2023, at 12:00 PM, with visitation beginning at 10:00 AM. Interment will take place at St. Joseph Abbey Cemetery, 75376 River Road, St. Benedict, Louisiana 70457. E.J. Fielding Funeral Home, locally owned and operated, (985) 892-9222, has been entrusted with funeral arrangements. The Clark family kindly invites you to share thoughts, fond memories, and condolences online at E. J. Fielding Funeral Home Guest Book at www.ejfieldingfh.com.