Kelsey Elizabeth Clark

Kelsey Elizabeth Clark, beloved daughter, sister, aunt, friend, and devoted animal lover, passed away peacefully on August 25, 2026, at the age of 36, surrounded by her family and friends. Born on July 17, 1990, Kelsey was the cherished daughter of Eugene “Gene” Clark and the late Cynthia “Cindy” (Dilworth) Clark, who preceded her in death just a year and a half ago. Kelsey brought an extraordinary amount of love, light, laughter, and energy into the lives of everyone fortunate enough to know her. She will be remembered for her kindness, compassion, strength, and selflessness; her vibrant and bubbly personality; her sense of humor and fierce spirit; and her independent and adventurous nature. She was loving, dependable, driven, incredibly smart, and deeply devoted to her family and friends. Kelsey had a remarkable ability to put others before herself, offering comfort, support, laughter, and love without ever asking for anything in return. She was fiercely determined in everything she did and fought breast cancer with extraordinary courage, grit, and resilience. From an early age, Kelsey had an undeniable love for animals. As a little girl, she collected every stuffed animal she could find, a passion that grew throughout her life into a deep love and appreciation for animals and their behavior. Her beloved cats, Asher and Tibby, held a particularly special place in her heart. She also loved horseback riding, traveling, reading, learning, spending time with family and friends, and experiencing new things. Kelsey was endlessly curious and never stopped wanting to understand more about the world around her. Her passion for learning was matched by an incredible drive and determination. Kelsey graduated from Spring-Ford High School in 2009 and earned her Bachelor’s degree in Animal Science from the University of Massachusetts Amherst in 2013. She went on to earn her Master’s degree in Biology and, in 2022, her Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) in Animal Behavior and Ethology from the University of Memphis. Kelsey built a career doing what she loved. From 2022 through 2025, she served as a Lab Animal Facility Supervisor at the University of Missouri–Columbia, combining her scientific expertise with her lifelong passion for animals. Her work reflected her intelligence, dedication, curiosity, and commitment to making a difference. While pursuing her Ph.D. in Memphis, Kelsey received her first diagnosis of breast cancer. True to her nature, she faced the diagnosis head-on and chose an aggressive treatment plan, determined to give herself every opportunity to overcome the disease. She endured the difficult road of treatment with extraordinary strength and determination. Her courage and grit inspired everyone around her, and she ultimately achieved a period of nearly three years without evidence of disease. Following the death of her mother, Cindy, Kelsey felt an even stronger pull to be closer to her family. She made the decision to return home to the Philadelphia area and began a research position at Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia, where she was able to continue doing meaningful scientific work focused on devastating childhood diseases. Her return home was a source of tremendous happiness for her family. After years away, they were thrilled to have Kelsey close again—to share everyday moments, family gatherings, laughter, and the precious time they had together. Not long after returning to Philadelphia, Kelsey received the devastating diagnosis that her breast cancer had returned as metastatic disease. For a little over a year, she fought another extraordinarily difficult battle. Once again, she faced cancer with the fierce determination that had defined her entire life. Despite the challenges and setbacks, Kelsey never stopped fighting. Her family, friends, and medical team were continually inspired by her strength, courage, and unwavering will to live. Even as her illness progressed, Kelsey remained loving, selfless, funny, and fiercely devoted to the people she loved. Above all else, Kelsey was family-focused and deeply loving. She treasured the people closest to her and was a loyal and dependable friend. She had an incredible ability to make people laugh, to provide comfort when it was needed, and to make those around her feel loved and cared for. Her intelligence and determination were matched by a warmth and generosity that made her unforgettable. Kelsey is survived by her father, Eugene “Gene” Clark; her brother, Patrick Clark; her sisters, Caitlin Clark Sweeney (Colin) and Hayley Clark; her beloved cats, Asher and Tibby; her nieces and nephews, Riley, Chase, Ava, and Evan Sweeney; and many beloved aunts, uncles, cousins, friends, and extended family members. While our hearts are broken by the loss of Kelsey, we find comfort in believing that she is no longer fighting, no longer hurting, and is finally at peace. We find comfort in imagining her reunited with those who went before her—Pop, Grammy, Grand Pa, and Grand Ma—and, without any doubt, back in the loving arms of her mom, Cindy. We imagine Cindy welcoming her home, and Kelsey once again surrounded by the love of family that meant so much to her throughout her life. Though we will miss Kelsey beyond words, the thought of her being together with her mom again brings a measure of peace to those who loved her most. Kelsey’s life was far too short, but it was full of love, learning, adventure, laughter, family, friendship, animals, and an unwavering determination to live life on her own terms. She leaves behind not only memories, but a lasting example of courage, curiosity, resilience, and selflessness. Those who loved Kelsey will miss her laughter, her humor, her fierce spirit, her incredible “Kelsey” hugs, and the energy she brought into every room. They will miss her deeply but will carry her with them in every adventure, every animal, every good book, every family gathering, and every moment that reminds them of her. Please join us as we celebrate Kelsey’s extraordinary life on Saturday, August 29, 2026: Christ Church King of Prussia 501 E. Swedesford Road Wayne, Pennsylvania 19087 Visitation: 9:30–10:30 a.m. Celebration of Life Service: 10:30 a.m. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made in Kelsey’s memory to Living Beyond Breast Cancer (LBBC), an organization dedicated to providing trusted information, support, and community to those affected by breast cancer, including those living with metastatic disease. Kelsey’s family hopes that, in keeping with her lifelong commitment to science, learning, and helping others, these contributions will help provide support and hope to those facing breast cancer and help advance a future where fewer families experience this devastating disease. Living Beyond Breast Cancer 40 Monument Road, Suite 104 Bala Cynwyd, PA 19004 Checks may be made payable to Living Beyond Breast Cancer. Donations may also be made online through LBBC’s donation page. When making a donation, please indicate that it is in memory of Kelsey Elizabeth Clark.

Kelsey Elizabeth Clark

July 17, 1990 - August 25, 2026