Mary Ellen (Lambert) Clark, 79, of Dubuque, passed away on Friday, June 24th, 2016, at home surrounded by her family.

Family and friends may visit from 2:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. on Tuesday, June 28th, 2016, at Leonard Funeral Home and Crematory, 2595 Rockdale Road, where a service will be held at 6:00 p.m. with Deacon John Stierman officiating. Private burial will take place on Wednesday, June 29th, 2016, in Mount Calvary Cemetery.

Mary's main focus in life was her family. Throughout her life, she maintained a kind and simple demeanor. She always looked for ways to help people. Whether it was an elderly stranger that needed help or a sick friend, she would be there. She would always take the time to send a card or make a visit. She didn't pass judgment and taught us to forgive. Besides family gatherings, she also enjoyed her Alverno family, going to the casino, movies and dining out.Mary had a work ethic like no one else. She worked as a housekeeper at Holy Family Hall and retired after 30 years of service. After her retirement from Holy Family Hall, she took on the task as a Foster Grandparent at Audubon School for 9 years. She loved to work with the children and have them call her "Grandma." Now that she is finally retired for good, her next mission takes her to a wonderful place where she can be reunited with family and friends that she has not seen in a long time.

She is survived by her six children, Steve (Stephanie) Lambert, Susan Lambert, Patricia (Brian) Tighe, Mary Jo (Terry) Kaesbauer, Julie Pline and Catherine (Jeff) Lambert-Kemp. She is also survived by her 18 grandchildren, 24 great grandchildren and 1 great-great grandchild; siblings, Ruth (Bob) Harle, Larry (Donna) Walter and Mike Walter.She was preceded in death by her parents, George and Ellen Walter; a brother, Jack Walter; a son, John Allan Lambert; two grandchildren, Justin and Clifton Melberg; and one great grandchild, Reid Pline.

The family wishes to send a heartfelt thank you to Hospice of Dubuque and Dr. Schulties and his staff at Medical Associates.In Lieu of flowers a memorial fund has been established.