Mary E. Parks,
October 09, 1938 - August 20, 2013
Obituary
MCFARLAND-Mary E. Parks, age 74, of McFarland, passed away on Tuesday, Aug. 20, 2013, at St. Mary’s Hospital. She was born on Oct. 9, 1938, in Portage, the daughter of James Mills and Annabelle Miller. Mary married Thomas Parks on May 9, 1959, in Madison. She worked at the Department of Public Instruction as an Educational Specialist for 47 years. Mary was a wonderful mom, wife, sister, grandma, and great-grandma. She is survived by her children, Robin Parks of Madison, Karile (John) Johnston of McFarland, and their children, Dalton Johnston of McFarland, Nicholas Wing and his daughter Isabella Wing of Fort Lauderdale, Fla., Christopher Parks-Johnston of Waunakee, and Alexander (Megan) Johnston and their daughter Kylie Johnston of Port Charlotte, Fla.; and sister-in-law, Marylin Mills. She was preceded in death by son, Thomas Jr.; her husband, Thomas; her parents; and brother, Anthony Mills. Funeral services will be held at GUNDERSON EAST FUNERAL HOME, 5203 Monona Drive, Madison, at 4 p.m. on Friday, Aug. 23, 2013, with Regina Robinson Gabba presiding. A luncheon will follow the service at the funeral home. Visitation will be held at the funeral home from 2 p.m. until 4 p.m. on Friday. The family wishes to thank the staff at St. Mary’s Hospital for their wonderful care of Mary as well as special neighbors, Marv and Betty Meyers, Debbie and Gary Hicks, and Tom and Vicky Fritz of McFarland. Online condolences may be made at www.gundersonfh.com.
Gunderson East
Funeral & Cremation Care
5203 Monona Drive
(608) 221-5420
Events
Visitation
Fri Aug 23, 2013 @ 2:00 PM - 4:00 PM CDT
Gunderson Funeral and Cremation Care - Madison • 5203 Monona Drive, Madison, WI 53716
Service
Fri Aug 23, 2013 @ 4:00 PM CDT
Gunderson Funeral and Cremation Care - Madison • 5203 Monona Drive, Madison, WI 53716
Photos
No photos of Mary have been shared yet.
Memories
GK
Gene Kundert
Other •
To the family of Mary Parks:
Hello my name is Gene Kundert, Driver Services Manager for RSVP. Mary served as RSVP's Volunteer Driver Escort Coordinator for the McFarland area since August 31, 2011. Mary did a wonderful job of coordinating rides for older adults in the McFarland area. I've always received many complements from RSVP Volunteer Driver Escorts and passengers on Mary. She will be greatly missed by all of us.
You have my deepest sympathy on your loss!
Gene
DF
Debbie and Gary Fritz
Other •
Karile and Robin and family...
We miss Mary but know she is "walking" with her family in heaven now and out of pain. She has been my best friend and inspiration when ever I or any one needed it. She was an angel on earth who very rarely ever told us she was hurting. I didn't even know she was so ill until I saw her on Tuesday, Aug.13 and even then didn't know how serious it was. God let her touch many lives with her talented handmade cards, letters and notes, and great conversations. She was a fascinating lady who spread her angel wings on so many of us. She volunteered for so many things and was always busy. She made me and everyone feel as if we were the most special person in the world. It was a pleasure and honor to know her these last 25 years. We loved her so much and have you and your family in our prayers. God Bless Debbie and Gary Fritz
EA
Encore Studio for the Performing Arts
Other •
What a wonderful lady! We will miss her very much.
From all her friends at Encore.
EO
Evelyn O'Brien
Other •
I was very sorry to hear about Mary. She was my first supervisor when I worked for the state and was of enormous help to me, especially being out of the workforce for 13 years. I remember her as always being upbeat and friendly. We shared the same birth year but she was always "younger" than I and it was a little joke between us. I know she will be greatly missed by her family and friends.
Evelyn O'Brien