Mary Catherine Clarke, 87, of Hollywood, Maryland, passed away with her family at her side on April 25, 2025, in Leonardtown, Maryland. Born on August 27, 1937, in Hughesville, Maryland, she was the daughter of the late Lilian Estelle Cross and Joseph Mitchell Cross.

Mary was the beloved wife of the late Melvin A. Wathen Sr., with whom she shared many cherished years. She later married the late John Romanus Clarke, and they were together for 21 years.

A lifelong resident of Southern Maryland, Mary Catherine graduated from Notre Dame High School in 1955. She devoted her life to her family, her faith, and her community. She was known for her strong work ethic, her resilience, and her unwavering devotion to those she loved. Whether in her career, at home, or in her community, Mary Catherine approached every task with determination, grace, and a giving heart. She found great joy in spending time with her family, gardening, painting, studying the Bible, and playing Bingo.

Mary Catherine is survived by her children: Bonnie (Ben) Weiland of Lexington Park, MD; Linda Abell of Hinesville, GA; Jeannie (Charles) Sherrill of Hickory, NC; Dale (Lorie) Wathen of Hollywood, MD; Veronica Alvey-Butler of Hollywood, MD; and Deborah (Steve) Abell Leonardtown, MD. She is also survived by her son-in-law, Jimmy Clarke of Mechanicsville, MD, husband of her late daughter, Elizabeth Clarke. In addition to Elizabeth, she was preceded in death by her son, Melvin A. Wathen, Jr.

She was the proud grandmother of 18 grandchildren and 14 great-grandchildren. Mary Catherine was also preceded in death by her siblings: Joseph M. Cross, Estelle Burch, Robert McKay, Theodore Cross, and Frankie Connelly, all of whom she loved dearly.

The family will receive friends on Monday, May 5, 2025, from 9:30 AM to 10:30 AM, in St. John's Catholic Church, Hollywood, MD, where a Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 10:30 AM with Father Ray Schmidt officiating. Interment will follow at the church cemetery. Serving as pallbearers will be Steve Abell, Matt Bahnsen, Todd Walter, Stephen Abell, Evan Currie, and Willie Johnson.


Mary Catherine will be remembered for her kindness, her enduring faith, her tireless spirit, and the deep love she poured into her family and her community. Her legacy of hard work, devotion, and generosity will live on in all who knew and loved her.
She lived a life full of love and grace and now rests in eternal peace.