Obituary of Madge Sylvia Clarke

Madge Sylvia Clarke, 85, went home to be with the Lord on Thursday, March 20, 2014. She was born in Trinidad, West Indies on July 27, 1929. She was the last surviving sibling, having been preceded in death by her brothers, Kester and Irwin; and sisters, Muriel, Beryl, Irma and Urcie. Madge was also preceded in death by her beloved daughter, Susan Ingrid. Madge was a highly qualified operatic singer who graduated from the prestigious Julliard School of Music in New York City. She was the lead soloist for The Riverside Church on New YorkGÇÖs Upper East Side and once performed a solo concert for Queen Elizabeth of England in 1960. She was known for her spiritual strength and undying faith. Her operatic abilities brought her into contact with OperaGÇÖs finest and she attended receptions as the guest of the likes of Leontyne Price and Luciano Pavarotti. Madge’s impeccable taste in clothes, dignity and affinity for the culinary arts made her renown in both Trinidad, W.I. and New York, where she hosted some of the most talked about social events for New York’s political and legal elite in the 1970’s. She was honored guest at events for Sir Eric Williams, Prime Minister of Trinidad & Tobago; Sir Garfield Sobers, Hall of Fame Captain of the West Indies Cricket Team; and Sir Ellis Clarke, Trinidad & TobagoGÇÖs Ambassador to England, just to name a few. Madge is survived by her loving daughter, Angelina Dawn Francis; son, Von Clarke; grandchildren, Von Bailey, Russell Clarke and Abigail Clarke, great-grandchildren, Rolando and Romeo Macarno. She also leaves behind loving family and friends in the United States, England, Barbados and Trinidad and Tobago, W.I. Arrangements entrusted to Ammen Family Cremation and Funeral Care, Melbourne, 724-2222.A viewing will be held for Madge on Sunday, April 6, 2014 from 10:00 to 11:00 am at the Palm Bay Seventh-Day Adventist Church. 1000 Americana Boulevard, N.E., Palm Bay. A Funeral Mass will be held immediately following the viewing at 11:00 am at the church. In attendance will be her surviving family; close friends, Viola Loney, Gracie Quinteros, Rose Scott along with all her beloved church GÇ£family.GÇ¥ Please sign the guestbook at the Funeral Mass at the Church.In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to St. Jude ChildrenGÇÖs Research Hospital in MadgeGÇÖs memory.