Phyllis Parker, 95, of Groveland, passed away Sunday, Feb. 8 at her home.
She was born in Newburyport June 16, 1919, the daughter of the late William A. and Frances (Brown) Simpson. Parker was educated in the Groveland school system and graduated from Groveland High School with the class of 1937. After graduating from high school, Parker went on to further her education by earning her RN at the Mass General Nursing School. Soon after graduating from nursing school, Parker enlisted into the Navy and earned the rank of Lieutenant JG. She served at Camp Pendleton before her retirement from the military.
Parker returned to Groveland to start her family with her husband Charlton. Soon after her children were born, she returned to school earning both her Bachelors and Masters Degrees from the Salem State College. For 21 years Parker was a teacher at the Elmer S. Bagnall School in Groveland and in 1983 she was elected master teacher. After her retirement from teaching, Parker worked at A Well Kept Secret Antique Shop, in Kingston, N.H. She enjoyed quilting and singing. She was a member of the Merrimac Valley Quilters, the Sweet Adelines and the Music Masters. She was a member of the City Club, Leisure Hour Club and a member of the Groveland Congregational Church.
She was predeceased by her husband, Charlton Parker, who passed away in 1982, and brothers, Robert Simpson and Louis Rouse. She is survived by her children, Ross Parker and his significant other Joyce Vigeant of Plaistow, N.H., Jayne Jennings of Groveland and Jill Marino of Groveland; nine grandchildren: Tara Marino and her husband Richard Balado of New York City, Brandon Parker of Newton, N.H, Ryan Parker of West Newbury, Krystal and her husband Steven Goodwin of Newton, N.H., Holly Parker of Freemont, N.H., Benjamin Jennings of Groveland, Tayla Jennings of Groveland, Beth Reichl and her husband Matthew of Portsmouth, N.H. and Brian Richmond of Indiana; three great grandchildren, Leiah Goodwin, Nathan Goodwin and Arryia Jennings; a sister-in-law, Edith Simpson as well as several nieces and nephews.
Relatives and friends are respectfully invited to attend her funeral service Saturday morning, Feb. 14 at 11 at the Groveland Congregational Church, 4 King St. Groveland. Interment will follow in Elmwood Cemetery, Bradford. Arrangements are by the H.L. Farmer & Sons Funeral Homes, Haverhill and Bradford. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Charlton and Phyllis Parker Scholarship Fund at Pentucket Regional High School, 24 Main St. West Newbury, Ma 01985.