Kay Clarke passed away peacefully at her Atherton, CA home on January 25, with her loving husband, Herb Lechner, by her side. She was 90 years old.
Born in San Diego, CA, in 1933 to Anthony and Lillian Palmer, a Navy family that eventually settled in Patchogue, NY, Kay was the first in her family to attend college. She earned her B.S. in nursing from the University of Mount Saint Vincent in Riverside, NY. After working as a nurse for several years, Kay transitioned her career into business marketing, holding positions in New York City for Citigroup.
A move to Northern California in the 1970s provided new opportunities and earned a special place in her heart. Kay, a vivacious and gregarious woman, had a unique talent for building relationships and fostering a community spirit among all those she touched. In her professional life, she held positions such as Director of Corporate Communications for SRI International, Public Relations Manager for AT&T, and CEO of Whitaker & Baxter.
Kay's true passion was evident in her numerous civic and philanthropic activities. Among her most rewarding contributions were organizing and serving on many medical trips to Romania and South America through Assist International's Romania project, the American Society of Romanian Health Care, and the Cinterandes-Ecuador, which served children and families. Kay was the first person to be honored with the prestigious "Service Above Self Award" by the San Francisco Rotary International Club. One of her most passionate projects was involvement with Rotoplast International, where she facilitated many mission trips to help with cleft palate repair. Locally, she remained committed to her community by serving as a Stephen's Minister for Menlo Park Presbyterian Church and was actively involved in the Atherton Now Campaign.
Kay was a dedicated wife, mother, and grandmother. She was a truly inspirational and international woman, and her legacy will be everlasting.
Kay is survived by her husband of 41 years, Herb Lechner, children Anne Clarke, Scott Clarke, stepchildren Lynnette Mammino, Janine Asmus, and numerous grandchildren, nieces, nephews, and friends. She is preceded in death by stepdaughter Alicia Saville, sister Ann Forkin, husband Jon Clarke, and husband Jack Vetter.

Memorial services are pending