Elizabeth Clarke

Elizabeth Sutherland Ipavec Clarke, age 32, passed away on May 13, 2026, in South Bend, IN after a long battle with bile-duct cancer. She was born on December 10, 1993, in Cleveland Heights, OH. She attended St. Ann’s grade school, Beaumont High School, and went on to receive her undergraduate degree from the University of Dayton, and two master’s degrees from the University of Notre Dame. 

Elizabeth is survived by her parents Townsend and Patricia Clarke (Ipavec) of Cleveland Heights, OH, her boyfriend, Christopher Rehagen of South Bend, IN; her sisters Patricia Clarke of Washington, D.C., Katherine (Seth) Adams of Palmer, AK and Shannon (Matthew Gabriele) Clarke of Dayton, OH; and by her beloved niece and goddaughter, Maude Marie (2).  She loved being “Aunt Boo-Boo” to Maude.  

Elizabeth had a deep love for her dog, Rockne, and found great joy in adventure. She proudly walked the Camino de Santiago in Spain twice, an experience that reflected both her adventurous spirit and determination. She cherished time spent with her family and friends, loved the annual July 4th weekend at Ludington, and was an incredibly proud alumna and devoted fan of both University of Notre Dame and the University of Dayton. She enjoyed working at Notre Dame and found great fulfillment in journeying with students through their time in Residential Life. She had great faith, even as it was tested in her battle with cancer. May her memory be a blessing and may all who love her carry forward her spirit through laughter, courage, and faith.

The family extends their sincere gratitude to the doctors, nurses, and healthcare professionals who cared for her with kindness and compassion, and to her dear family and friends who remained by her side through every chapter of her journey. 

A visitation will be held on Monday, May 18, 2026, from 4:00 PM until 6:30 PM at Palmer Funeral Homes - Welsheimer North Chapel in South Bend, IN. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Tuesday, May 19, 2026, at 9:30 AM at Basilica of the Sacred Heart at the University of Notre Dame. Burial will follow at Cedar Grove Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, a donation can be made to a charity of your choice or to Beaumont School in Cleveland Heights, OH.  Donations can be made via this link or mailed to 3301 North Park Boulevard, Cleveland Heights, OH 44118.

Online condolences may be left for the family at www.palmerfuneralhomes.com 

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