RIP New Haven Legend Bitsie Clark

Episode Transcript

Speaker 1 (00:00):
I wanted to acknowledge the passing of talk about icons.
New Haven icon Francis Clark aka Bitsy Bitsy Clark. Back
in the early nineties, I went for an interview for
there was an arts publication. It just came up when
I moderated the debate recently. It came up as far

(00:22):
as the other moderators and the publications start with I'm like,
does anybody remember the Arts weekly used to grab on
Audubon Street, And my interview that day was with They said,
you'll be interviewing today. I had my briefcase and really
wanted to write for this publication. They're like, you'll be
interviewing with Mimsy and Bitsy. Those are the women's names.

(00:44):
How do you ever forget that? Like Mimsy and Bitsy
and they're meeting a Vinnie. How's this going to go?
Two wonderful women. Mimsy I've stayed in touch with last
I heard anyway, she was parent Hampden. But Bitsy was
a legend. And then I knew at the second that
I met her. They call her new Haven's unshakable optimist.

(01:06):
She was just immediately lovable and embodied New Haven's Audubon
Arts District. Which I still love to this day and
couldn't wait to introduce my kids to. She passed away Friday,
surrounded by loved ones in her apartment, three weeks shy
of her ninety fourth birthday. They even have here, which

(01:29):
I think is kind of great. You know, new Haven
Independent Rights. The day before, the day before Bitsy Clark
passed away, she watched Blazing Saddles with her best friend,
I mean that's it, and quoted her favorite lines, I
love you, Bitsy Legend forevermore, Rest in peace.