Obituary

Nadeen Gayle Clarke, age 90, died peacefully with her family by her side on September 23, 2024. Nadeen was born on June 11th, 1934 to Anthony (Tony) Lorenzo Pulanco and Betty Dewey Pulanco in Portland Oregon. In the 30’s, a mixed marriage between a Filipino man and white woman was not accepted by many, but the deep love Tony and Betty had for each other and for their three children, Tonya Beth Pulanco (Nadeen’s older sister), Nadeen, and their younger brother, Tony Jr, set an example for generations to come of how love always wins.

She spent most of her childhood in the San Francisco Bay Area and eventually graduated from Mission High School. She was close with her siblings and though her brother died too soon, she remained extremely close with her sister, Tonya (Toby), throughout her life. They would share life’s ups and downs together and eventually travel to many places through the US and world together.

Nadeen married her first husband, Roy Higgs at the age of 18 in San Francisco and had two sons together, Paul Anthony Clarke and Steven Luis Clarke. These boys were Nadeen’s pride and joy. After her marriage to Roy ended, she was faced with finding a job, a place to live and raising two young boys on her own. This is when Nadeen’s resilience, deep love for her boys, and positive spirit overcame the deepest of struggles. She was nothing short of amazing during these hard times. She found work in the insurance industry and eventually became the president of the local insurance women’s association. She married her 2ndhusband, Bill Clarke, who later adopted her two sons. Nadeen and Bill enjoyed 30 years together which included traveling throughout the United States on a motorcycle numerous times. She was deeply committed to Bill and cared for him through his passing in 2005.

Her greatest joy in life came from being a wonderful mom, grandma, and great grandma. She taught her sons to work hard, live with integrity, and love like there’s no tomorrow. Her greatest heartache came when she lost her beloved oldest son and soulmate, Paul, to a tragic plane crash in 2000. Though this loss devastated her, she leaned on her strong faith in Jesus and positive spirit to once again rise and bless those around her. She was proud of her son Steve and his wonderful wife Julie, who became the daughter she’d always wanted. Nadeen was a big supporter of Steve’s work at Bellingham High where he served as principal…or president and she’d often say. Steve and Julie blessed Nadeen with three amazing grandsons, Jordan Paul Clarke (wife Courtney, son Brady Paul, and daughters Kennedy Ann and Macy Beth), Tyson Steven Clarke (wife Mandy, sons Kasen Ty, Baylor Allen, and Payton Steven), and Andrew John Clarke (wife Kristen, sons Camden James and Jackson Drew). She was crazy about her grandsons and just ascrazy about those 8 great grandbabies! Her room was full of pictures of them and drawings they had given her. She called this brood her dynasty. Indeed, Nadeen created quite a legacy of endurance, hope, and love.

Nadeen never met a person she didn’t like and was quick to talk with anyone nearby if it meant being able to share a kind word or warm hug. If you had the privilege of knowing her you quickly fell in love with her warmth, quick wit and genuine smile. She taught others to live with a hopeful heart and a belief in the good in people. She was one-of-a-kind and will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved her. Even in your passing, your love wins, Nadeen.

In memory of Nadeen, donations can be made to Young Life or Hospice of the Northwest.

A small service will be held at 277 Gilbertson Road, Camano Island at 3:00 on Saturday, September 30, 2024.