“I used to say you have a three-dog maximum,” recalls Mark Clark, thinking back on downtown Napa walks with his late sister Colleen. An outgoing lover of animals, Colleen was likely to stop to pet every dog she met along the way to dinner.
Colleen passed away in July of 2024, leaving behind a legacy of love for animals, music, theater, and youth. It’s a legacy that NVCF is proud to protect through grants from the Colleen Clark Endowment Fund, established with a bequest in her estate.
“You literally couldn’t go anywhere in Napa where Colleen didn’t bump into someone she knew,” shares Katie Anderson, a close friend. Colleen’s community connections carried from Napa Sunrise Rotary to Napa Valley College Chorale, from fellow lawyers and clients to neighbors and her lifelong “posse” of friends.
Colleen was born and raised in Napa in a family that prized hard work and community. She worked as a lawyer first in Southern California, then returned home to be closer to family and practice family law—often representing parents who needed a strong advocate. A dedicated gardener, Colleen was known for sharing the bounty of her vegetable beds and her homemade tomatillo salsa, which was a favorite among friends.
“She was busier than anyone I knew—always doing something, whether it was Rotary, choir, volunteering at the food pantry, or just spending time with friends. She loved being part of her community,” adds her brother Mark.
Through the Colleen Clark Endowment Fund, Colleen’s passion for people, creativity, and community will continue to enrich lives in Napa for generations to come.
Protector:
At Napa Valley Community Foundation, we serve as a steward and protector for donors who want their generosity to extend beyond their lifetimes, ensuring their wishes are carried out faithfully through a Legacy Fund.