Clarks reach was enormous, her novels becoming international bestsellers.
Many of her books provided source material for TV movies as well.
In 2008, she received the International Crime Writers First Lady of Mystery award.
Born Mary Higgins in the Bronx on Dec. 24, 1927, her early life was marked by hardship.
Her father died when she was 11, leaving her mother alone to raise her and her two brothers.
After high school, she worked for an advertising agency before becoming a Pan Am stewardess.
Warren Clark died from a heart attack in 1964, and Clark began writing radio scripts for a living.
Becoming a best-seller, it changed the course of Clarks life.
Her books are often known to feature mysteries involving children or telepathy.
She is survived by her five children and 17 grandchildren.
