Most people considered the sky to be the limit in 1945, but for Ann Arbor residents and former World War II U.S. Air Force Pilots John A. Clark and his wife, Marie, a member of the Women’s Air Force Service Pilots (WASP), it was just the beginning of a loving relationship that spanned the next 62 years.

The high standards set forth by John and Marie are evident in every aspect of their lives from their choice of careers after the War to their commitment to family, church and their community.

John is a Professor Emeritus of Mechanical Engineering at the University of Michigan and Marie is a retired music teacher and accomplished flutist performing in many significant positions including the principal flute in the Ann Arbor Symphony Orchestra for more than ten years. The Clarks have undoubtedly made a difference in the world around them and their legacy will continue to live on through their estate gifts to St. Joseph Mercy Hospital.

The Clarks settled in Ann Arbor permanently in 1957 when John was appointed as a full Professor at the University of Michigan. Also during this time, they began their longtime relationship with St. Joe’s. John explained how they began going to the Hospital on Ingalls Street, mostly for unexpected Emergency Department visits.

“St. Joe’s is a magnificent place and we have found total reliability in its services and staff,” explained John. Marie has had numerous procedures at the Hospital involving a wide range of medical specialties. In 1977, a Mt. Brighton skiing accident required her to undergo the first of her four hip replacement surgeries. John laughingly jokes that Marie has probably stayed in every room of the Hospital at one time or another.

Similar to many people their age, the Clarks have considered moving from their Ann Arbor home several times into a smaller space within an assisted living community. “St. Joe’s is probably the reason we have decided to stay in our home until they carry us out,” said John with a smile. “One of the biggest reasons we didn’t go through with the sale of our home is because we have our roots so deep here with the excellent, dependable care that St. Joe’s provides. If that didn’t exist we probably would not have stayed in our home.”

The Clarks feel privileged to support the continuation of the good work performed at St. Joe’s. John and Marie have made three separate bequests from their personal trusts to benefit St. Joseph Mercy Hospital and Senior Health Services.

When formulating their estate plans John and Marie secured the expertise of a long established Ann Arbor law firm. John explained how their attorney was very knowledgeable in estate law and was able to establish their estate plans consistent with their charitable interests. He went on to say, that upon their death, a local trust company will manage what is allocated to each of the designated charitable interests.

Without devising specific estate plans, the Clarks assets would have gone to the Washtenaw County Probate Court upon their deaths. John explained that when assets go to Probate Court there is a definite loss of control of the original intentions of the plan. “There is a great deal of comfort in knowing that exactly what we wish for the future will be carried out,” said John.

In addition to their estate gifts, they have made it a priority to give annual gifts to the Prescription Assistance Plan offered through Senior Health Services. Both John and Marie deeply appreciate the importance of this program. “It is devastating to think of elderly persons not being able to afford their medications,” said John.

John reflected upon their commitment to the Hospital and said, “The services at St. Joe’s are priceless to this community and we will do anything we can to help continue that.”