Obituary of Catherine I. Clark

Catherine "Cass" Clark, 85, Founder of Animal Welfare Society passed away Thursday August 13, 2009 in the Crest Haven Nursing Home where she had resided since 2007. Many images, thoughts and memories come to mind when one thinks of Cass Clark; enthusiastic, compassionate, dedicated, strong-willed and most notably passionate! Cass Clark had a heart of gold..she cheered for the underdog, the less fortunate, the forgotten one. Long before she became President of the Animal Welfare Society (AWS), Cass was caring for the less fortunate and forgotten while visiting nursing homes to entertain their residents. But in 1981, when she became President of AWS, Cape May County would often see her name in the local papers or hear her voice at countless meetings throughout the county; as she would become known as Cass Clark - an activist for animal rights. As she would often say to the shelter volunteers, "you have to speak out for the animals because they have no voice to speak up for themselves." And speak out for them she did, if she believed that even just one animal was being treated unfairly or was being harmed in any way, she would repeatedly state her case to anyone and everyone that would listen. In short, Cass Clark had a deep concern for the plight of unwanted/abandoned animals and was totally committed to improving their quality of life be it on the streets of Cape May County or in people's homes. Along with some other local ladies, including her sister Tina Weimar, Cass Clark started AWS using monies earned from bake sales, yard sales, membership donations and their own personal funds to purchase the property that now sits on Route #47 in Dias Creek. Cass Clark was President of AWS from 1981 until 2007, during Cass' reign as President, the no- kill animal shelter was opened to all abandoned/unwanted animals regardless of their adoptability status. She believed that every living creature deserved a safe haven and she did whatever it took to provide that haven; even if it meant using her own money to ensure it. As many of the long term volunteers and Board Members of AWS will testify, Cass was inspirational and her passion was contagious. After a conversation with her, her "causes" would quickly become yours! If everyone in this world had even an ounce of Cass Clark's passion in life, this world would be a much better place to live. It was not uncommon to see and hear Cass Clark at many of the Freeholder meetings speaking out on behalf of the animals of Cape May County. She was instrumental in raising the support and financial backing to start the first neuter and spay clinic in Cape May County. During that time, many many vehicles across the county proudly wore the bumper sticker "Spay A Stray", Animal Welfare Society. These stickers stem from Cass Clark's tireless efforts. The AWS neuter and spay clinic was opened long before spay/neuter was a popular motto. It is estimated that 35,000 cats have been surgically altered through this program. In 2005, Cass received the Animal Alliance award for her work and dedication in spaying and neutering animals. She received numerous accolades over the years acknowledging her compassion and dedication to helping animals; awards and proclamations from various animal welfare organizations, the Cape May County Freeholders and the Senator's Office. In 1993, she sat as a Board member on the NJ Board of Veterinary Medicine and traveled to Newark for close to two years to make the meetings. Cass was extremely patriotic; as she would often proclaim.stars and stripes forever! She was involved in her community with more than just animal issues; as Cass was very civic-minded as well. For several years, she was Vice President of the Lower Township Taxpayer's Assoc. As a community activist and watchdog, Cass was always up for an informed political discussion. For several years, she served as a Board Member on the Lower Township Municipal Utilities Authority and in November 1992, she ran for Cape May County Freeholder. . Sadly, Cass's passion left this earth on Aug. 13, 2009. As some would say, the end of an era..and in her memory, as she would always say in her phone messages.."Don't forget to hug your pet, it's the best friend you have!" A graveside service will be held 11 AM on Tuesday, Aug. 18, 2009 at the Cape May County Veterans Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, donations would be appreciated to the Animal Welfare Society, 40 State Highway 47 South, Dias Creek, NJ 08210 Evoy Funeral Home