Thelma Mae Parker

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Thelma Mae Parker, passed away peacefully on February 23, 2021. She was born in Buffalo, New York on January 17,1923 to the late William and Bessie (Hetherly) Saxton.

Thel attended school in Clarence, NY. She married the late Russel Parker on July 15, 1939. They had 6 children and shared 59 wonderful years together. During World War II, Thel worked at Buffalo Arms. She was also employed at Wards Hydraulics. She enjoyed reading and traveling and always kept busy line dancing, bowling, crafting, and attending senior center exercise class.

Her passion was gardening and if you stopped by in the springtime you would find her “in the dirt” with her “nose to the ground, and ass in the air,” as she proudly told people. Thel also spent many hours writing letters and sending cards to everyone she knew who needed a little “uplift.” She felt pure joy telling jokes and just waited for your reaction.

Thel volunteered at her church her entire life and enjoyed spending time with her church family, this was very important to her. She loved her home on South Newstead, where many holiday gatherings occurred, and she was surrounded by her family; this is when she was the happiest. Thel had a special way of making everyone feel welcome, and she expressed herself unconditionally.

Thel received the FDR award in 2011 from the Newstead Democratic committee recognizing her commitment to community, family, and party.

Loving mother of Shirley (Rodney) Bower, Darlene (Roy) Harriger, Robert (Mary) Parker, Laura (Barry) Pingitore, Norma (late Glenn) Knop, and Gail Parker. She is also survived by 17 grandchildren; 41 great grandchildren and 15 great, great grandchildren.

Friends and relatives called on Saturday, February 27 from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. at Trinity Evangelical Lutheran Church, 4809 S. Newstead Road. Thelma’s funeral service was livestreamed at Noon. Visit trinlc.com to access the recording directly from the church website. Burial followed at Mt. Olive Cemetery. arrangements were made by Ross Funeral Home of Akron, LLC. Charitable contributions may be made in Thel’s memory to Trinity Evangelical Lutheran Church.

She loved the saying: Yesterday is History…Tomorrow is a Mystery…Today is a Gift…That’s why they call it the Present.