Johanna Anna Möckel Clark, was born Feb. 1, 1941 It was not the best time to come into this world. Her father had been conscripted to leave for a war from which he would have never returned. The front lines swept back and forth across their small village during nearly five years of warfare.
She was the eighth child within a scant ten years, all born at home. Two died in infancy. Living on a farm was hard with the world in turmoil. Many times they might not have survived.
When peace finally came they escaped Communism and were sent to the northern part of West Germany. At age six, Johanna began a new life, although one of near-poverty and privation. Another forced move when she was 14 placed the family in central Germany, where she learned the hotel business and met the lady who would give her the opportunity that would transform her life.