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

Obituary: Doloroes Margaret (Buchanan) Whitmore - Class of 1934

MADISON - Dolores Margaret Whitmore, age 87, passed away on Wednesday, June 4, 2003, at Meriter Hospital. She was born Oct. 8, 1915, in Madison, the daughter of Archie and Maddie (Russell) Buchanan. Dolores was a graduate of Madison Central High School. After high school, she attended St. Marys School of Nursing in Milwaukee. In 1937, she married John Francis Whitmore. John and Dolores raised their family in Madison. She retired from the Veterans Hospital as a medical secretary. She was a volunteer at the Alzheimer's Association. She enjoyed gardening, antique collecting and needlepoint. Dolores belonged to the South Central Chapter of the Alzheimer's Association, was an associate member of the National Association of Postmasters, belonged to the St. Mary's Guild, Grace Episcopal Church, Badger Chapter of the Ex-Prisoners of War, auxiliary member of Purple Heart, and Madison Civics Club. She is survived by her children, Tom (Dottie) of Oregon, Janet of Minneapolis, and Alan of Santa Cruz; a granddaughter, Annette (John) Smerlinski of Cottage Grove; her grandsons, David Stehr of Lake Mills, and Chris Whitmore of Madison; and her great-grandchildren, Ariana and Sam Smerlinski. She also leaves behind other loving family members. She was preceded in death by her husband, John; her two brothers, Leo and Melvin; and her sister-in-law, Mary. Funeral services will be held at 11 a.m. on Saturday, June 7, 2003, at CRESS FUNERAL HOME, 3610 Speedway Road, with the Rev. Gary Lambert officiating. A visitation will be held from 10 a.m. until the time of the service at the funeral home. Memorials can be made to the Madison Rotary Foundation John F. Whitmore Memorial Fund. "Peace be with you." Cress Funeral Service 3610 Speedway Road (608) 238-3434

Originally published in the Wisconsin State Journal on June 6, 2003

Note: Graduation year is based on information in the Class of 1934's - 35th reunion booklet