Apr 29, 2021
Elfriede “Ellie” A. Parker, 80, passed away on April 21, 2021. She was born on June 8, 1940 to Joseph and Anna (Biel) Gessler in Bronx, NY. While living in New York City, she attended Hunter College and worked for IBM as a translator. She married Lawrence “Larry” Parker on February 8, 1964, and relocated to his hometown, Salem, OH, where they lived for 50+ years.
The hallmark of Ellie’s life is energy — fueling her love of family and friends, travel and adventure, and fun and laughter. She truly never met a stranger — in Salem and throughout the travel she enjoyed around the country and the world. She gave of herself to all who knew her — as Wife, Mother, Grandmother, Daughter, Sister, Aunt, and Friend. Fun-loving – her ever-present smile and infectious laugh have been called out by many who knew her. She Mom-ed fiercely – living out one of her most repeated axioms to her children “I give you wings so you can fly”, orchestrating every opportunity for travel, experience, and education. She was always there to listen and provide counsel (whether asked for or not), and then bring it home with laughter and hugs and tears (when needed). Omi was cherished by her grandchildren-Maggie, Jeffrey, Matthew, Jonathan, Nathanial, Nolan, and JJ — who were assured of hugs, fun, and blueberry cake with every visit. In her daily walk, through good times and struggle, she was a centering force to her family.