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Ruth Hollingshead Clark, 105, died April 20, at John Knox Village in Pompano Beach, Florida, where she lived happily for the past 28 years. She was born in 1916, to The Reverend George Hollingshead and Ethelwyn Pell Hollingshead.

Ruth grew up in Montclair, New Jersey. She was a graduate of Connecticut College. She and her husband Harold Deming Clark, Jr., moved to Branford, where they raised their family.

She is survived by her daughter Leslie Goulet and sons Jonathan (Andrea) and Jeffrey (Martha), as well as six grandchildren, six great-grandchildren, and seven nieces and nephews. She was predeceased by her husband Harold, sister Jean, and brother Pell.

Ruth’s life was rich in community service. She was the first woman to serve on Branford’s Blackstone Library Board of Trustees. She served eight years on the Branford Board of Education. She was president of the local VNA and vice president of the Branford Land Trust, among other civic positions. She served in the Connecticut General Assembly from 1971 to 1975. She was particularly proud of her role in enacting legislation to protect public watershed land from development and in improving access to mental health services.

Upon retiring to Florida, Ruth became active with the Audubon Society and the League of Women Voters in working to protect water quality and on other environmental issues. She was honored with a proclamation by the Broward County Commissioners designating June 15, 1999, as “Ruth Clark Appreciation Day” for her tireless advocacy and service on the Water Technical Advisory Committee.

Ruth’s dedication to public service was an inspiration to all in her family. We count ourselves most fortunate to have had her with us for so many years.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Branford Community Foundation, the Branford Land Trust, the Blackstone Library or to an environmental cause of your choice.