Mary Alice Park

1935 - 2021

Mary Alice (Long) Park

August 11, 1935 - May 3, 2021

Mary Alice Park, longtime Lincoln resident, passed away peacefully on May 3, 2021. Mary Alice was born in Hastings, Neb. on Aug. 11, 1935 to Minnie and Clyde Long of Arapahoe. At two years of age, her family relocated to Orange County, Calif., where she and her younger sister, Vivian, attended grade school. She moved back to Nebraska with her family at age 13 and graduated from Arapahoe High School in 1953 as the valedictorian of her class. Mary Alice took violin lessons with beloved teacher Mrs. J. W. Trenchard in Cambridge, Neb., throughout high school. She went on to pursue her musical studies at Hastings College, majoring in both music and elementary education. A gifted violinist, she performed with the Lincoln Symphony Orchestra and was often in demand as a soloist at weddings.

After graduating from Hastings College, Mary Alice accepted a teaching position with Lincoln Public Schools and taught 4th grade at Meadow Lane School. On June 14, 1959, she married Loyal C. Park in Holbrook, Neb. The couple made their home in Lincoln, raising two children, Rosann and Devon. They enjoyed many trips to the family cabin in scenic Buena Vista, Colo. After her children were in high school, Mary Alice took a position as office manager for Nebraskans for Peace, spending ten years with the organization. From 2000 through 2015, she served as the editor of annual calendar "Cat Lovers Against the Bomb" (CLAB), promoting peace and social justice. A long-serving member of Aldersgate United Methodist Church, she also worked as church secretary and volunteered as a Sunday School teacher.

Mary Alice was a strong, faithful woman who touched every person that she met with her warm and friendly smile. She exemplified the value of service throughout her lifetime, volunteering with the Girl Scouts, United Nations Association, Church Women United and many other organizations. Mary Alice was a 65-year member of PEO, currently a member of Chapter ES. Mary Alice will be remembered for her cheerful spirit, quick wit and generosity. Her masterful gardening skills were particularly enjoyed by family and friends.

Mary Alice was preceded in death by her parents and sister, Vivian Chilcote, as well as brother-in-law Emmett Walling and nephew Jeffrey Walling. Her final days were spent surrounded by her loving family and she was grateful for the care she received at the Legacy Estates. She is survived by her husband of 62 years, Loyal Park; son Devon Park of Broomfield, Colo.; daughter Rosann Park-Jones and son-in-law, Ross Jones, of Winnetka, Ill.; and three grandchildren, Emily Jones, Rachel Jones and Carrie Jones. She also leaves behind sister-in-law Kathleen Walling of Farmington, N.M. and brother-in-law Glenn Chilcote of Lake Oswego, Ore., along with several nieces and nephews.

Memorial Service: 11:00 a.m. Friday (5-14-21) Aldersgate United Methodist Church, 8320 South Street. Face masks are required. Livestreamed on Aldersgatelinc at facebook. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donations to Nebraskans for Peace/Nebraska Peace Foundation, P.O. Box 83466, Lincoln, NE, 68501 or Aldersgate United Methodist Church, 8320 South Street, Lincoln, NE 68506. Condolences online at Roperandsons.com