Elfriede ‘Ellie’ Parker
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.
At home, Ellie enjoyed extensive gardening, entertaining family and friends, and numerous endeavors. She embraced and loved Salem and its deep-rooted community. Some of her favorite endeavors included the First Presbyterian Church, Garden Club, the YWCA, Olympics of the Mind, the Salem Golf Club, and countless outings with a wide group of friends. Her own experience as an exchange student in Germany led her to host students and support both AFS and Rotary over a span of twenty years.
We thank God for calling her home, but she will be deeply missed, and her memory is forever cherished. We carry in our hearts all that she shared with us.
Ellie is preceded in passing by her parents; sister Caroline (Tony) Folkl; and brother Joe Gessler.
Left to cherish her memory are her beloved husband of 57 years, Larry Parker; her daughters Melanie (Gerry) Mayo, Laurel (David) Marques, Christopher (Emily) Parker, 7 grandchildren, in-laws Marie Gessler and Betty Jo (Bill) White, nieces and nephews, and dear friends.
No public services will be held. Arrangements entrusted to Schoedinger Northeast Funeral Home, 1051 East Johnstown Road, Gahanna, OH 43230. Interment will take place at Grandview Cemetery in Salem, OH, at a later date. In lieu of flowers, please make a donation in Ellie’s memory to the Ohio Health Foundation (Kobacker House), Salem Community Foundation, or First Presbyterian Church of Salem, OH. To share a memory or leave online condolences, visit www.schoedinger.com
4/29/21