Edith T. “Edie” Parker

Edith T. “Edie” Parker, residing in South Bend, passed away peacefully at 12:03 a.m. Friday, March 4, 2022 at St. Joseph Regional Medical Center, Mishawaka, at the age of 93 years old.

She was born June 9, 1928 in Eau Claire, Michigan, a daughter of the late Emil & Chloa (Goldner) Weber, and has been a lifelong resident of this area. She was a 1945 graduate of John Adams High School.

On June 14, 1947 in South Bend, Edie was united in marriage to James Bruce Parker, the love of her life. They enjoyed 55 years together until his passing on November 5, 2002.

She was also preceded in death by her son Jeffrey Bruce Parker in 1965, brother, Richard Weber, and two sisters, Peggy Sullivan and Nina McDonald.

She is survived by her son and daughter-in-law, Jay B. & Barbara Parker of South Bend; her granddaughter Tara (Craig) Merkel of West Lafayette, IN; and four great-grandchildren, Rebecca, Brock, Hannah, and Julia, along with two sisters, Irene Huff of Paw Paw, MI; and Ruth (Hubert) Kelley of Austin, TX; along with many nieces and nephews.

Edie retired as an Employment Counselor for various Employment Service Agencies in the area. She also worked as a Regional Sales Director for Howard Johnsons, worked part time as a hostess for Palmer Funeral Homes. She was a member of Business and Professional Women’s Association, and Benevolent Order of Elks in South Bend for many years,

She was an active member of First Presbyterian Church of South Bend, where she served as a Sunday School Teacher, Elder, Deacon, and Usher. She was also active as a Stephen Minister and member of the Outreach Committee at the Church.

Edie always said her “favorite time of life was sitting in the bleachers watching her boys”.

She loved all genres of music, upon certain prompting using flattery, begging, force, and an ample supply of spirits, Edie could be coerced into her rendition of the vamping song about “Louisville Lou”. Always the charming hostess, Edie loved to give parties and go to parties. She was considered a wonderful cook, and darn good home bartender.

She loved her pets, many cats and dogs, especially the mutts.

Services will be at 1:00 p.m. Tuesday, March 8, at the Palmer Funeral Home-Welsheimer North Chapel, 17033 Cleveland Road, South Bend. Rev. Dr. Adelio Kelso will officiate. Graveside services and burial will follow at St. Joseph Valley Memorial Park, Granger. Family and friends may gather at the funeral home from 11:00 a.m. until service time on Tuesday.

Contributions in memory of Mrs. Parker may be offered to Pet Refuge, 4626 Burnett Drive, South Bend, IN 46614. Online condolences to the family may be sent to www.palmerfuneralhomes.com