Alyson Conway Clemens

Alyson Conway Clemens, 46, passed away on February 14, 2025. Born in Danvers on January 8, 1979, she was the beloved daughter of William and Christine (Rutkowski) Clemens of Danvers. Named after her paternal grandmother, Al lived a life full of passion, intellect, and unwavering devotion to those she loved.

A gifted student from an early age, Al was part of the Talented and Gifted program in elementary school. Even in first grade, her intelligence and confidence were evident when her teacher entrusted her with supervising and reading to the class while tending to sick students. Her love for learning never waned, and her quick wit and sharp mind made her both a joy and a force to be reckoned with.

At nine years old, she discovered a passion that would stay with her for life—golf. A 1997 graduate of Bishop Fenwick High School, Al was the only female on the golf team, earning her varsity letter in her junior and senior years. Determined to study somewhere warmer, she began college at Methodist College in North Carolina in the Professional Golf Management program before transferring to Stetson University in Florida, where she earned a degree in Sports Administration. A Ouimette scholar, she also studied abroad at the University of Vienna, taking the opportunity to explore Europe.

After graduating, Al worked for the American Junior Golf Association (AJGA), traveling the country running junior golf tournaments. She later settled in West Palm Beach, working for the National Association of Youth Sports (NAYS) and Dillards before returning to Danvers, where she worked as an assistant golf pro and pro shop manager at Ferncroft Country Club. Ever ambitious, she earned her paralegal certificate, which led her to pursue a law degree from New England School of Law. Though she worked for several law firms, she found her true calling in title examination, where her love of research flourished.

Al was a woman of strong will, sharp intellect, and an uncompromising sense of self. She never suffered fools lightly, spoke her mind freely, and had a salty vocabulary. She had an incredible sense of humor, an infectious laugh, and a smile that could light up any room. Her love of music spanned from classical to classic rock, 80s hair bands, Britney Spears, and, of course, Dave Matthews Band. She also played the piano and had a deep appreciation for the arts, family genealogy, and television/movies.

A dedicated reenactor, Al loved history and spent time at sites like the Fort at No. 4 and Hubbardton, Vermont. She was also a talented roller skater, competing in elementary and junior high school. Her practical, logical mind was occasionally punctuated by what she laughingly called her “blonde moments,” but those who knew her best adored her for every bit of who she was.

Above all else, Al’s heart belonged to her family, especially her brother, Billy. Their bond was unbreakable, and she was his fiercest advocate, always ensuring he had everything he needed. She cherished her time with him and his friends, particularly Joseph Hoctor, who became both a golf partner and a dear friend. Al was also her father’s best friend, and their shared love of golf, classic rock, and television brought endless joy to their family. The sound of their laughter together was one of her mother’s greatest comforts.

Al’s kindness, generosity, and unwavering support for those she loved will be deeply missed by all who knew her. She was a woman who lived life on her own terms, loved fiercely, and left an indelible mark on the hearts of those lucky enough to know her.

In addition to her parents, Al leaves her brother, William “Billy” Clemens of Danvers, her grandfather, Zdzislaw Rutkowski of Wakefield, her uncle and aunt, Henry & Patricia Rutkowski of Salem, her cousins Kathryn and Jonathan Rutkowski of Peabody, her cousins Jennifer and Scott Arcuri and their children, Scarlett and Lucas of Peabody, dear family members Alice Slapak of Randolph, Christopher Slapak and Jennifer Amate of Bellingham, and Danielle, Mike, Joey, and Jack DiBennedetto of Westwood, and her godparents, Tom and Patricia Jordan of Merrimac, as well as many other cousins and her Florida family.

A celebration of Al’s life will be held Saturday, May 24, 2025 at 10AM in the Polish Club, Cheever St., Danvers. Relatives and friends are invited. Kindly omit flowers. Instead, donations may be made to the Merrimack River Feline Rescue Society, 63 Elm St., Salisbury, MA 01952 or Five Plus Funds, 3 Cumnock St., Beverly, MA 01915 (please specify Power Lifting Team). To share an expression of sympathy with Alyson’s family, please visit www.LyonsFuneral.com.