Obituary of Mary Ellen Parker

Mrs. Mary Whalen Parker, 89 years old, of Orchard Street, Canajoharie, NY died Thursday, March 24, 2011 at Ellis Hospital in Schenectady, NY. Mrs. Parker was born on January 29, 1922 in Canajoharie, NY. She was the daughter of Joseph & Ellen Tunnicliff Whalen. She was a lifelong area resident. Mary married William Henry Parker, Jr. on April 11, 1944 at St. Peter & Paul's Catholic Church in Canajoharie, NY. Mary graduated from Canajoharie High School, Class of 1939. She then went on to Ithaca College and graduated in December 1942 with a Bachelor of Science Degree in Education. Mary was a Physical Education teacher for schools in Eldred, NY, Minneola, Long Island as well as for the Canajoharie Central School. She later became a noon time aide at Canajoharie School for many years. Mary was a communicant of the former St. Peter & Paul's Church, now known as Our Lady of Hope Catholic Church. She was a member of the Altar Rosary Society at the former St. Peter & Paul's Church, the Canajoharie Volunteer Fire Department Ladies Auxiliary, the Smith-Schultz American Legion Ladies Auxiliary Post #222. She enjoyed golfing, knitting, crossword puzzles and cooking. Mary is predeceased by her son, Gary W. Parker on March 15, 1993. She is survived by her husband, William H. Parker, Jr., Canajoharie, NY; her daughters: Sandra E. Parker & Susan M. Parker, both of Canajoharie, NY; sons: Randall & Diane Parker, Saratoga Springs, NY; Michael & Deborah Parker, Akron, OH; daughter-in-law: June Parker, Canajoharie, NY; Grandchildren: Matthew Parker, Erika Parker, Michelle & Scott Raymond, Heather Parker, Jeffery Parker; several nieces, nephews, cousins, and several great-nieces and nephews.