Eleanor Parsons

Eleanor Parsons

AGE: 97 • Lexington, VA

Eleanor Viola Hutchins Parsons, 97, of Lexington, died on Saturday, July 4, 2015, surrounded by her beloved husband, Dr. James S. Parsons, and family. She was born September 15, 1917, to Loretta Viola Patnode and Dayton Charles Hutchins on Chateaugay Lake, New York, where her father was building a summer home for movie star, Evelyn Nesbit Thaw. Eleanor earned her B.S. in Chemistry from St. Lawrence University in Canton, New York and played on the varsity basketball team. She worked as a chemist at the American Cynamid Corporation in Bound Brook, New Jersey, where she met James. She served as an elder, church librarian, youth group advisor, Sunday School teacher and superintendent, and led Vacation Bible School at the Pluckemin Presbyterian Church. She was awarded Honorary Life Membership by the Presbyterian Women in Pluckemin, New Jersey. She enjoyed oil and watercolor painting, swimming, gardening, needle point, and floral arranging. Eleanor was a great sportswoman sharing winter sports with her family.

A loving mother, Eleanor supported her son, John, in his passion for golf driving him to courses to play and caddy. Golf continues to be John's livelihood. Eleanor encouraged daughter, Ruth, to be a competitive swimmer, writer and nursing home administrator. Eleanor was active in the Rolling Hills Girl Scout Council and the American Association of University Women. Most recently, she belonged to Rapp's Mill and Oxford Churches in Rockbridge County and served on the Palmer School House Community Center Board with Jim. Eleanor was a devoted daughter, wife, mother and was always helping her neighbors and anyone in need. Surviving is her devoted husband and caregiver, Dr. James Sidney Parsons; son, John Edward Parsons, daughter, Ruth Anne Parsons, all of Lexington; sister, Eloise Hutchins DeFalco, Monroe, Township, New Jersey; John, Don, James, and Robert Hutchins of Washington; Alan and Richard DeFalco of New Jersey; David Smith of New York; nieces: Dawn Meiklejohn, Janet Saeed, Colleen Norcott of Washington; Joan MacLeod of Maryland; Susan Behler of Michigan, and Dr. Jane DeFalco of Missouri. Eleanor was predeceased by her brother, Russell Hutchins, and sister, Julia Hutchins Smith. Deepest thanks: Cousins Millie Parsons and Reverend/Dr. Louis Skidmore, Olivia Gibson, Mary Outlaw, Dr. James Crews, Nurse Practitioner Elizabeth Kosmas, Kendal staff, and RN Pat Cooper and Rockbridge Area Hospice.

The family will receive friends on Wednesday, July 8, 2015 from 5-7 p.m. at Harrison's Funeral Parlor in Lexington, Virginia. A graveside service will be conducted on Thursday, July 9, 2015 at 2 p.m. at Rapp's Mill Church Cemetery in Lexington, Virginia with Dr. Louis Skidmore, the Rev. Barton Hellmuth, and Dr. Horace Douty officiating. A Memorial Service at a later date in mid August. Memorials may be made to the Carilion Stonewall Jackson Hospital Emergency Room or to Effinger Rescue Squad. Harrison's Funeral Home in Lexington, Virginia is in charge of arrangements.