Mary Parker

Mary Elizabeth Abrahamson Parker, age 83, of Faribault, died Saturday, May 16, 2009 at the St. Lucas Care Center in Faribault of leukemia related illness.   Mary was born on February 20, 1926 the middle child of Roy and Thesine (Paulson) Abrahamson of Sparta, Wisconsin. She attended St. Olaf College in Northfield, MN, graduating in 1947 with a B.A. degree and majors in Sociology and Religion. In June 1948 she married John G. Parker of Faribault and spent the next 30 years as a homemaker, mother, business partner and parish worker at First English Lutheran Church. During Mary's working years she enjoyed many civic and church activities including: AAUW, Eastern Star, P.E.O, Pink Lady, Brownie Scout Leader, Jobs Daughters Bethel Guardian, Meals On Wheels, music and Sunday School director, and Faribault Bi-Centennial Secretary among others. Mary also enjoyed playing bridge and golf; often with dear friends of fifty years. She loved reading and bird watching and the retirement life at her home on Cannon Lake.   Mary is survived by four daughters and families: Susan Parker and Peter Kohlenberg of Alameda, CA; Elizabeth and James Newgord, and son, Anthony Newgord and two great grandsons of Pillager, MN; Cynthia and Lloyd McCormick of Faribault, and children, Samantha and Paul Connolly of Duluth, MN, and Patrick McCormick of Faribault; Kathryn and Craig White and daughter, Cassandra White of Owatonna, MN; brother, David Abrahamson and family of Oaklawn, IL; sister-in-law and life-time friend, Delores Olson Abrahamson of Shoreview, MN; and other relatives and friends.   She was preceded in death by her husband John on June 26, 1995; parents; and brother, Roy Paul Abrahamson.   Funeral arrangements are made through the Parker Kohl Funeral Home of Faribault with visitation hours between 4:00 and 7:00 p.m. on Wednesday, May 20, 2009 at the funeral home. A family only burial will precede the funeral.  Memorial Services will take place on Thursday at 11:00 a.m. at the First English Lutheran Church in Faribault. The family will receive friends at the church from 10:00 to 11:00 a.m. on Thursday.   In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorials be designated to First English Lutheran Church "WELCA" committee in memory of Mary.   Heartfelt thanks to the staff of St. Lucas Care Center for the compassionate care and dignity given to Mary at life's end.