Iris Cole Richey Clark, 91, of Chestnut Hill, widow of former Philadelphia Mayor and U.S. Sen. Joseph S. Clark, died Monday, Sept. 17, at her home.
She married Clark in 1967. They had met in 1964 while campaigning for Genevieve Blatt, a Democrat who lost a bid that year for the Senate to Republican Sen. Hugh Scott.
Mr. Clark was elected in 1951 as the city's first Democratic mayor in 67 years. Beginning in 1957, he served two six-year terms in the Senate. He died in 1990.
In his honor, Mrs. Clark endowed the Sen. Joseph S. Clark Chair in Ethics in Politics and Government at Harvard University.
Mrs. Clark graduated from high school in Kokomo, Ind., and was an editor for the West Shore Shopper in Lemoyne, Pa., in the 1950s, daughter Lydia Alison Richey said.
In the 1960s, her daughter said, Mrs. Clark edited the Pennsylvania Manual, which identifies itself as a comprehensive guide to state government.
Mrs. Clark is also survived by stepdaughter Noel Clark Miller, eight step-grandchildren, and 13 step-great-grandchildren. A former husband, John K. Richey, died in 1983.
A memorial service was set for 11 a.m. Monday, Sept. 24, at the Jacob F. Ruth Funeral Home, 8413 Germantown Ave., followed by a private burial.
