Susan Joan Parker

Susan Joan (Casto) Parker, 64, of Middletown, passed away peacefully on Friday, March 3, 2017 in Middletown, CT. Susan was born on August 23, 1952 in Marietta, Ohio to the late Betty and Wilbur Casto. She married Lewis Parker in 1969 and moved to Connecticut in 1973. She attended CCSU, majoring in Criminal Justice and Sociology. She worked for the American Red Cross, first as a volunteer and intern, then as an employee for over 40+ years. She retired in February 2017 as a Senior Director for Emergency Services, having dedicated so much of herself to others. She has always been an advocate for giving back to her community. She volunteered as a Girl Scout leader for about 10 years and volunteered many hours of her time for several other community services such as hospice and community child daycare. She has always had the ability to get though any difficult situation and anyone who knew her has learned never to underestimate her confidence, perseverance, and resiliency. She was a devoted and loving mother, wife, and friend, with unmatched strength and dedication. She enjoyed many different hobbies such as camping, reading, exploring her Native American roots, traveling, visiting the ocean, ceramics, painting, motorcycle riding, and spending time with her family. She is survived by her husband, Lewis Parker, her daughters, Vanessa Parker and her children Tyrus and Chayden, and Marlena Parker, and her children Dakota, Nicholas, and Silas. She also has two brothers who live in Ohio, David Casto and Kenneth Casto. Should friends desire, contributions are suggested to the family. A Celebration of Life service will be held at the Brooklawn Funeral Home at 511 Brook St, Rocky Hill, on Saturday, March 11, from 1 pm to 3 pm, followed by a reception at 5 pm at the Moose Lodge at 605 Saybrook Rd # 3, Middletown, CT.