Mary Pat Clarke, the first woman elected as Baltimore City Council president, who served decades on the legislative body, has passed away.
Clarke was elected to the city council in 1975 and served on and off for over 32 years. After an eight-year break that started in 1995, she returned in 2003 to represent Baltimore City’s 14th District.
In 2019, Clarke announced her plan to retire, saying, “I’ve been serving with this new council, the one with the new members. A lot of young people, and I’m just impressed with the energy, diligence, really progressive agenda, but done with care. Coming in, I felt like a den mother and they’re eagle scouts.”
During her time on the council, Clarke pushed for legislation that eliminated barriers to renters’ homeownership.
In honor of her legacy, county leaders have made several social media tributes to Mary Pat Clarke.
Mary Pat Clarke defined what it means to be a public servant in Baltimore. Her decades of selfless service to our city yielded incredible results for children, workers and families. She was an uncompromising moral voice.
On a personal note: Mary Pat was a wonderful friend and… pic.twitter.com/qPk2BHW59W
— Zeke Cohen (@Zeke_Cohen) November 10, 2024
Today Baltimore has lost one of the greatest public servants of our time, Mary Pat Clarke. My family and I extend our sincerest condolences to her family. Read my full statement on her passing here: https://t.co/MyCeiuRQdB pic.twitter.com/Ll3b4vUbZM
— Odette Ramos (@odetteramos) November 10, 2024
This included the Mayor of Baltimore City, Brandon Scott, who had previously dedicated a playground in her honor
Mary Pat Clarke passed away peacefully this morning surrounded by family after a brief illness.
She was a trailblazer, fighter, and impeccable public servant.
Her deep care for all things Baltimore, especially its people, is why I called her Council President for Life. pic.twitter.com/dWLw1bOTH6
— Brandon M. Scott (@MayorBMScott) November 10, 2024
