Catherine Anne Clark Mullan

Catherine Anne Clark Mullan was born on July 15, 1930 in St. Joseph Hospital, Phoenix Arizona. A very proud Phoenician, “Annie, Anne, Auntie Anne, Mom”, was one of five siblings who were raised in the loving and welcoming home of Harold and Ursula Clark. Sharing stories of her life and those of her pioneering family, who arrived in Arizona in 1904, was one of Anne’s passions. Anne, who passed this morning, January 17, 2023, could easily recount numerous memories of growing up in Phoenix. She keenly recalled riding street car #3 downtown for school, first to Kennelworth Elementary, then to St. Mary’s Catholic High School. She and her siblings often rode the same car to the family office supply business located on 2nd Ave and Adams. She was proud to share stories of her philanthropic parents who were continually offering help and opening their home to those in need. Unfortunately, Anne’s dad passed suddenly when she was just sixteen, yet her mother carried on, taking over the family business. Anne grew strength from her mother’s resolve, a strength Anne called upon many times over her 92 years.

Shorty after WWII, Anne met, fell deeply in love with, and eventually married a “very handsome” young man from the Bay Area, Edward “Ned” Mullan. Ned, moved to Phoenix to work for his father, Read Mullan, who owned the local Ford dealership. Ned and Anne, married 55 years before Ned’s passing in 2006, raised five children together, Mike, Cathy, Janette, Louise, and Tim. Guided by her devotion to her Catholic faith and her parent’s loving spirit, Anne dedicated her life to Ned, her children, her church and to the Phoenix community. Anne had two bibles which she lived by, one religious, the other was her notorious leather bound calendar! Filled to the brim with after school activities, scout trips, car pooling days, Junior League meetings, numerous school fundraisers, doctor and dentist appointments, tennis match dates, and every one of her immediate and extended family member’s birthday dates, her calendar planners were her lifeline to her chock-filled days!

If you ever had the opportunity to meet Anne, then she knew about you! She greeted everyone with kindness, a warm smile and a sincere desire to get to know anyone who entered her life. If you asked her how she was doing or how her day was going, she’d quickly say, “I’m doing better now that you are here!” So humble, selfless and always giving.

Anne loved to laugh, especially at her own expense. Anne cherished the young, was never rude, yet gritted her teeth at the site of rudeness. Anne was a keen judge of character, she was not intimidated by wealth or stature, and was a fierce defender of those less fortunate. Anne was outspoken when necessary, often shared her intelligent opinion, and if challenged, delivered the “last word”.

Our mother was a passionate and loving woman who “lived” life! She traveled the world, yet never forgot where she came from and never veered from who she was. She was fiercely loyal to her family and close friends. Mom was original, authentic and precious.

Mom is at peace now, holding hands with her handsome Ned, sharing stories with her “favorite grandson” Bradley, with her sisters CeCe and Meme, her brother Herbie, her Mom and Dad, and all of her extended family and friends who left this earth before she did. Our mother’s spirit lives on through those she cherished the most, her family. Sister: Margaret. Children: Mike (Gay), Cathy, Janette (Scott), Louise (Andy), Timothy. Grandchildren: Ryan (Jenni) , JP (Brittany) Jennifer (Ryan), James (Martha), AnneMarie (Matt), Katelyn (Dylan), Connor, Victoria, Amanda. Great Grandchildren: Eleanor, Elli, Emerson, Stella, Nicholas, Oliver, Emilia, Zoie, Andrew, Haylie, Remington, Kenzington, Griffin, Makenna, Kennedy and (as Mom would say) a “bun in the oven” a boy.

Anne’s celebration of life will be February 4th, 2023 at 10:00AM at St. Francis Xavier Church, 4715 N. Central Avenue, Phoenix. Mom loved to celebrate and loved color, so if you’d like to attend be colorful!!

In lieu of a reception we’ll be gathering with family and friends, after the service, on the grassy area just outside of church. In lieu of flower, we ask you to consider sending donations to Hospice of the Valley. https://www.hov.org