Thursday, June 19, 2003

Obituary: Elaine May (Polkinghorn) Parker

MADISON - Elaine May Parker, age 71, died Tuesday, June 17, 2003, at Meriter Hospital, Madison, after a long illness of heart and respiratory failure. She was born on Nov. 13, 1931, the daughter of Elvie and Viola (Kahl) Polkinghorn. Elaine graduated from Madison Central High School. She married David Lowry Parker from Hillsboro, in 1950. Elaine devoted her life to caring for her family, singly raising five spirited children, working various part-time jobs, while working as an employee of the University of Wisconsin system. She held no secular view of religion, but guiding her children with the "golden rule" and the concept that "enlightenment will bring once closer to godliness;" the central concept of Buddhism, Judaism, Christianity and Islam. After retiring, Elaine enjoyed spending time with her grandchildren, her beloved companion, "Snatcher," and gardening. She is survived by her five children, David (Susana), Sharon Parker Coenen, Danny (Kathy), Sharrie (Ray) and Dale (Lisa); 11 grandchildren; five great-grandchildren; and her sister, Betty (George) Thomure. Elaine was preceded in death by her husband; and parents. Funeral services will be held at GUNDERSON EAST FUNERAL HOME, 5203 Monona Drive, at 3 p.m. on Friday, June 20, 2003, with the Rev. Julie Overman presiding. Inurnment will be at Roselawn Memorial Park, with her mother Viola Polkinghorn. Visitation will be at the funeral home from 1 p.m. until the time of the service. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the American Heart Association. Gunderson East Funeral Home (608) 221-5420

Originally published in the Wisconsin State Journal on June 19, 2003

No comments: