Ann Blanch Parkinson

1930 - 2025

BORN

1930

DIED

2025

Ann Parkinson Obituary

Ann Blanch Parkinson, wife of Samuel D. Parkinson (Decd 2002) and beloved mother of Terry, Louisa, Andrew, and Thomas, passed away peacefully in Essex, CT on April 13, 2025, at the age of 94. Born May 21, 1930, in Tokyo, Japan, to Louisa (Barrette) and Norman Blanch, Ann's early years spanned Tokyo, London, California, and Colorado Springs. Her father, an English artist, served as artist in residence to Japan's royal court. Ann graduated from Scripps College and began teaching in Washington, DC, where she met and married Sam just two months later. They flew Sam's small plane to Nome, Alaska, where they mined for gold and Ann taught 5th grade. They later settled in Laurel Hollow, Long Island, raising their four children. Ann taught at Eastwoods School in Oyster Bay, eventually becoming head of the lower school. After retiring, she and Sam moved to Connecticut and spent cherished summers with family on Fishers Island. Ann was mother-in-law to Bob Evans, Elizabeth, Craig Parkinson, and Jen Rose Parkinson, and grandmother to Elizabeth, Louisa (Brayden Fassett), Alexander (Gabby), Samuel, Katharine, William, Nicholas (Carly), Mac, Drew, Thomas, and Eliza. She was great-grandmother to Samuel and Benjamin Fassett.
A celebration of her life will be held at a future date.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by LIHERALD.com from Apr. 17 to May 1, 2025.

Memories and Condolences
for Ann Parkinson

9 Entries

Richard Stebbins

June 26, 2025

Mrs Parkinson was the first person who shook my hand when I was a terrified student coming into the third grade for my first year at Eastwood's. She knew that I had a learning disability back then when nobody spoke about learning disabilities and she was very patient with me. She also stood up for me one of the kids would put me down and put them in their place. I'll always remember her kindness and her wonderful voice and the way that she embraced all of us who are proud enough to be part of her clan. Much love to the Parkinson family my condolences to everyone. Sincerely yours Richard Stebbins. Chicago Illinois

Laura Lanman Barr

April 23, 2025

I´ve so many wonderful memories of Ann when I was a child growing up on Long Island. I so enjoyed visiting the Parkinson house in Laurel Hollow. Ann always welcomed me with warmth and kindness and treated me like a second mother. I appreciated her intelligence, practical nature, and how she handled her busy work life and household of four children with seeming ease. I´m so grateful I got to see her not too long ago for dinner in Essex with Terry and Louisa. My love and sympathy to all the family, especially Terry, Louisa, Andrew and Thomas.

Cynthia Mayer Benfield

April 21, 2025

To the Parkinson´s Family,
I am very sorry to hear of your Mom´s passing. Mrs. Parkinson was my third grade teacher. She was always kind, patient and expected us to do our best. I always admired her and she inspired me to become a teacher!
Sending love with happy memories,
Cynthia Mayer Benfield

Ted Flanigan

April 21, 2025

Sending my very best wishes to Terry, Louisa, Andrew, and Thomas. Your mom was so very special, as was your dad. My brothers and I have such great memories of our youth in Laurel Hollow... with the Johnsons, Perkins, Dwyers, Lindsays, and others. The Parkinson house, was by all accounts... the most special place of all. What a great family... inspired by Mr and Mrs Parkinson... so a great rambling house full of energy and love. All the best to you four and your families, your mom and dad's inspired lives are no doubt passed along to you and your children!

Geoff and Kathie Churchill

April 20, 2025

Sam and Ann were close friends of Geoff´s parents, and the families had much fun water-skiing together or racing Thistle vs. MopJack near Cold Spring Harbor, Long Island. Ann and Geoff´s mother renewed their friendship when both lived in Essex, CT. Ann´s advice was helpful to us during Mom´s decline. Ann also was a great encouragement to Kathie during her genealogical pursuits and helped her join the Colonial Dames. We will both miss her.

With our love,
Geoff and Kathie Churchill

Julie Morse

April 19, 2025

My condolences to the whole family. Mrs. Parkinson was one of my all time favorite teachers at East Woods School. She leaves a legacy of kindness and encouragement and good humor to all her students. Loved reading about her amazing life beyond East Woods. No wonder she was such a gifted teacher! Blessings all.

Ian Johnson

April 19, 2025

Ann was the best.Ridge Rd Mom. She would stop at my bus stop every day and give me a ride to school before the bus came, something that would be taboo in today's day. Fondest of memories. Regards to all.
Ian Johnson

David Pirtle

Planted Trees

David Pirtle

April 14, 2025

My condolences to the Extended Parkinson´s family. As an East Woods student, I was likely one of her less favorite Library visitors, and she appropriately judged the cover of my book and full well knew I was less interested in reading and more so in horseplay the library with classmates. I respected her staunch support of high standards and we all were the better for it.
Fond Regards,
David Pirtle

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