Margaret Clark; Obituary, Death: With profound sadness and heavy hearts, we mourn the passing of Margaret Clark, a brilliant editor, loving friend, and mentor who profoundly impacted the lives of all who knew her. Margaret passed away recently, leaving behind a legacy of kindness, wisdom, and a remarkable career in the world of publishing. Her life, though far too short, was one that touched many, and she will be remembered not just for her professional accomplishments but for the extraordinary generosity of spirit she shared with everyone she encountered.
For those of us lucky enough to have crossed paths with Margaret, we will forever be grateful for the way she radically altered our trajectory. Moving through life, you meet people who change your path, people who, with a single act of kindness, can set you on a journey you never could have imagined for yourself. Margaret was one of those people for me. I met Margaret in the early nineties when we both worked at DC Comics, where she was an editor and I was in marketing.
It was a time of great energy and excitement in the comic book industry, and we were both immersed in the world of superheroes and stories that sparked our imaginations. Margaret edited DC’s Star Trek comics, a series that captured our mutual love for the Star Trek universe and its endless possibilities. Our shared passion for Trek quickly brought us together, and what began as a professional relationship soon blossomed into a lasting friendship.
In 1996, after Margaret had moved on from DC Comics to Simon & Schuster, where she became an editor of Star Trek novels, fate intervened. Her department needed a junior editor to join the team, and despite the reservations of the HR department, Margaret insisted that I was the one she wanted. She believed in me when no one else did, and she took a chance on someone with little editorial experience but a great deal of passion.
As HR tried to steer her toward hiring someone more qualified on paper, Margaret was unwavering: “He’s the one I want.” For better or worse, Margaret got her wish, and I owe my entire editorial career to her. She changed my life. As we worked together at Simon & Schuster, Margaret became more than just a colleague. She became a mentor, a guide who not only taught me the intricacies of the publishing world but also the importance of kindness, hard work, and following one’s own instincts.
There were bumps along the way—working side by side for twelve years is bound to have its challenges—but through it all, Margaret’s unwavering support and compassion were a constant. She had the rare ability to push you to be better while always having your back when you needed it most. One of the things that I will always remember about Margaret was her passion for the work she did.
Whether she was editing a Star Trek novel, mentoring a new editor, or simply enjoying a shared conversation about our favorite stories, Margaret approached everything with a level of enthusiasm and dedication that was infectious. She had a way of making everything she worked on feel important, and her attention to detail and commitment to excellence were evident in everything she touched. But beyond her professional skills, it was her warmth and generosity of spirit that truly set her apart.
Margaret’s influence extended far beyond her work in publishing. She was a beloved friend, a confidante, and a mentor to countless people over the years. She had a way of making everyone feel valued, and her kindness knew no bounds. She wasn’t the kind of person who sought recognition or accolades for her good deeds. Instead, Margaret quietly changed lives by offering support, advice, and a listening ear when needed. Her generosity was not just in the grand gestures but in the little things—the emails of encouragement, the thoughtful messages, the late-night phone calls when someone needed a friend.
Margaret was always there, always ready to lend a hand, and her selflessness will be sorely missed by all who had the privilege of knowing her. When we last spoke, many years ago, we recaptured some of that old, geeky fun we had shared in the early days of our friendship. We reminisced about our adventures in the Star Trek world, talked about the latest books we were reading, and laughed about the absurdity of some of our shared experiences in the publishing industry. In those moments, I was reminded of the joy Margaret brought to everything she did—whether it was work, friendship, or her love for the stories that shaped her life.
Margaret’s passing has left a profound hole in the hearts of all who knew her. She was a force of nature—a person who made you feel like you could do anything, a person who lifted you up when you were down, and a person who never hesitated to offer her wisdom and guidance. She gave so much to the world and to those around her, and in return, she asked for so little. But even in her humility, Margaret’s impact was immeasurable.
So, here’s to you, Margaret. You gave me a leg up when you definitely didn’t have to, and you changed my life in ways I will never be able to fully express. You set me on a new path, and I have always tried to follow your example, to pay that kindness forward to others, just as you did for me. You taught me not only about the craft of editing but also about being a better person—one who is kind, generous, and always ready to help others.
Your legacy will live on in the work I do, in the lessons I pass on to others, and in the way I strive to make the world a better place, just as you did. Margaret, you were more than a friend to me—you were a guiding light, a mentor, and a constant source of inspiration.
The world is a lesser place without you in it, but your spirit will live on in the hearts of all who knew you. We will miss you more than words can express, but we take comfort in the knowledge that your life made a difference, and that your kindness and your legacy will continue to inspire us all. Safe voyage, Margaret. We will carry your memory with us always.
