Clark, Mattie

• Clark, Martha Maud Isabel

Born and raised in Toronto, Martha Maud Isabel (Mattie) Clark was the daughter of Herbert A. Clark, KC and Laura (MacNicol) Clark. Ms. Clark, a life-long resident of Toronto, graduated in 1934 from the University of Toronto with a BA in English; received her MA from the same university in 1936, having written a thesis on Governor Simcoe’s Land Policy; and entered the teaching profession. After teacher training, she taught at Branksome Hall, Tilbury High School, Danforth Technical School, and Monarch Park Collegiate where she became head of the Guidance Department. She twice served as president of the Ontario School Counsellors' Association (OSCA), published articles on a variety of subjects, and was described as “magnificent” by both her guidance colleagues and her niece.

During World War II, she worked for the Canadian government’s Selective Service, helping to find people jobs. During retirement, she volunteered at the University of Toronto, was active in the formation of the Sesquicentennial Museum and Archives of the Board of Education. For many years she sang in the choir of Deer Park United Church, was an avid follower of theatre, and belonged to many organizations, including the University Women’s Club, the Champlain Society, the York Pioneers, the Canadian Historical Society, the Empire Club, and the Business and Professional Women’s Club.

Biographical history taken from City of Toronto Archives