Frances M. Parker, 87
WILLIAMSTOWN, Mass. — Frances Marie Dowling Parker, 87, died Friday, Jan. 10, 2014, following a long illness.
Born in Cranston R.I., on Nov. 29, 1926, daughter of Frederick and Grace McElroy Dowling, she enjoyed living in a number of states around the country but she and her family had called Berkshire County home for more than 40 years. Most recently, she had been a resident at Sweet Brook Care Centers.
Mrs. Parker and her husband of 49 years, the late Lloyd Edwin Parker, owned and operated Parker Door Sales located in Lenox and Pittsfield for nearly 25 years.
She had a big personality; those who knew her well remember her as a force to be reckoned with. She also had a big heart for animals and was well known for her habit of providing a welcoming home to cats in need. She and her husband most enjoyed spending time with simple pleasures: playing bridge, a round of golf at Skyline Country Club, and Sunday afternoon drives around Berkshire County discovering interesting, off-the-beaten-path restaurants.
She leaves two daughters, M.J. Parker of Williamstown and Kathleen Grace Parker Robinson and her husband, Joe David Robinson Jr., of Selmer Tenn.; a son, Thomas Edwin Parker and his wife, Lis Parker, and stepson Russell Cutless Baker, all of New Castle Va., and three grandchildren, Maryfrances Marie "Frannie" Robinson of Germantown, Tenn., and Sarah Winfrey Robinson and Joe D. "Dz" Robinson, both of Selmer.
Her sister, Regina Grace Dowling O'Donnell, is deceased.
FUNERAL NOTICE — A private memorial service for Mrs. Parker is planned for later this year. Her family is requesting that in lieu of flowers, memorial donations be made to the ASPCA.
Family members also wish to express their sincere appreciation to the staff at Sweet Brook for the care, patience and respect shown to her during her years there as a resident. Flynn & Dagnoli-Montagna Home for Funerals is in charge of arrangements.