Genevieve Lynette “Gen” Parker

Genevieve Parker departed this life peacefully at home on June 6, 2012, at the age of 93.  She was currently of Grand Ledge, MI. She was born on January 2, 1919, at the Knox family farm in Clarkston, Michigan, to Emily Knox Beardslee and her husband Alvin.  She was the first of three children and her brothers George and Alvin followed closely behind.

She attended Clarkston High School where she met her dear husband of 64 years, William Oliver Parker.  They were lovers, best friends and constant companions until his death in 2006.   She was widowed for six years and missed Bill every day.

Education was one of Gen’s core values and a central part of her life.  She earned a B.S. degree from Michigan State University in Home Economics.  She was chosen to entertain First Lady Eleanor Roosevelt in her dorm room at Campbell Hall because she was a gracious hostess and her room was the nicest one of all.   She chose teaching as her career and took her first position in Bayport, Michigan   She left teaching for a few years to raise her children, but eagerly returned to it in 1952.  She taught home economics, geography and science at Clarkston Junior High School until retiring in 1980.   She and Bill built a retirement home in Gaylord, Michigan.  They traveled, played golf, partied with their many friends and enjoyed their retirement years together.  In 1992, they relocated to Lansing to be nearer their children and grandchildren.

Gen was a talented homemaker, quilter, seamstress and antique collector.  She was an excellent cook and served numerous family favorites.  She made many beautiful quilts with each stitch carefully hand sewn.  She gave them to her family and they are greatly treasured.  She designed and made many clothes for herself and her daughter, including her wedding dress.   She volunteered at the hospital, read voraciously and did crossword puzzles.  She found the everyday things of life interesting and kept a daily diary of her observations.   Her favorite activity was traveling and was happiest when she was on the road, in the air or on a cruise ship.

She is survived by her daughter Paula (Stone), her grandson James J. Blanchard, Jr. and her granddaughter Lindsey Parker.  Her son Lawrence “Larry” Parker died in 2007.

Genevieve will be remembered lovingly and fondly by her family, friends and former students.  She had much to teach all of us and we benefited greatly from her wisdom, wit and example.

A memorial service will be held at 5:00 p.m. on Monday, June 11, 2012, at the Estes-Leadley Greater Lansing Chapel. Visitation will be from 4-5 p.m. Contributions to the Capital Area Humane Society are requested in lieu of flowers.