Eleanor Josephine (Quade) Clarkson, age 77, of Bushwood, Maryland peacefully passed away on Tuesday, April 30, 2019, surrounded by her loving family. Eleanor is survived by her devoted husband of over 55 years, Joseph E. Clarkson, Sr.; her loving children, Christa Jacobson (John) and Joseph E. Clarkson, Jr. (Stacie); grandchildren Josephine Faith Jacobson and Trey Lawrence Jacobson; Sisters-in-law Diane Quade and Patricia (Clarkson) Krisko; brother-in-law John Krisko; her nieces, nephews, extended family and countless friends. In addition to her parents, she was predeceased in death by her granddaughter, Sophia Lynn Jacobson in 2008 and her only brother, George L. Quade, Jr., in 2010.

Eleanor was born to Alice (Morgan) Quade and George L. Quade, Sr. on January 11, 1942. She spent her childhood in her beloved Bushwood, Maryland, helping the family store and boat rental business, chasing her big brother George and his friends, spending time with best friend, Chloe Burch, water skiing, soft crabbing, trot lining, and fishing. She also had a love for horseback riding and animals, especially dogs including Brownie whom she won at a school auction.

Eleanor attended Sacred Heart Catholic School and St. Mary's Academy, graduating in 1960. Eleanor went to work for the FBI in the fall of 1960 and eventually transferred to the Federal Reserve Board. After being set up on a blind date with Joe Clarkson, then a student at Georgetown University, she instantly fell in love and brought him to Bushwood to meet the family. Joe became an official part of the family when the two married at Sacred Heart Catholic Church on June 15, 1963.

With Joe employed by the Department of Justice in Washington, D.C., the couple settled in Upper Marlboro, Maryland, where they attended St. Mary's Catholic Church and she enjoyed singing in the choir. They welcomed daughter Christa in 1972, followed by son Joey in 1975, and Eleanor became a devoted mother and wife for the next 40 years, volunteering at St. Mary's Church and School, supporting her children in their athletic and academic pursuits, and trying to make Joe walk the line. Joe took the girl out of Bushwood, but Bushwood never left her heart, and Eleanor spent many weekends and extended summer stays in Bushwood, or whenever her mother or brother would call to inform her the crabs were running.

When Joe retired in 1995, the couple built their present home on St. Catherine's Sound, just around the point from the Quade family. Since that time, Eleanor returned to her childhood roots, attending Sacred Heart Catholic Church and singing in the choir, helping at the family store, picking raspberries, working in the yard, soft crabbing, fishing off her pier, spending time with her grandchildren and attending auctions with dear friends and family. She also volunteered with the 7th District Volunteer Rescue Squad Auxiliary, and enjoyed dressing as an early settler at the Blessing of the Fleet each fall. Eleanor will be deeply missed by her family and the 7th District community.

Viewing will be Monday, May 6th, 2019, from 5:00-8:00 p.m. at Mattingley-Gardiner Funeral Home in Leonardtown, Maryland with prayers at 7:00. Mass of Christian burial will be conducted Tuesday, May 7th, 2019, at 10:00 a.m., at Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Bushwood, Rev. Francis J. Early presiding. Interment will follow in the Sacred Heart Cemetery. Pallbearers will be: George L. Quade, III, Vincent Bergling, Michael Vance, Brian Tate, Wyatt Bowling, and Hank Bowling. Honorary Pallbearers will be: Sacred Heart Choir, 7th District VRS Auxiliary, Diane Quade, Pat and John Krisko, Chloe Frantz, Peggy and Richard Colliflower, Juanita Guy, Joan Lacey and Frankie Hodges. In lieu of flowers, contributions on behalf of Eleanor's memory may be made to the 7th District VRS Auxiliary, P.O. Box 7 Avenue Maryland, MD 20609, Mother Catherine Academy, 38833 Chaptico Road, Mechanicsville, MD 20659 or Hospice of St. Mary's, P.O. Box 625 Leonardtown, MD 20650.