Carolee Parker

1943. - 2016

Carolee Parker of Wayne, Pennsylvania and Sarasota, Florida, beloved mother, grandmother, wife, and friend, passed peacefully at home on April 21st after a valiant struggle with cancer. Carolee was born in San Bernardino, California, in1943. After completing an undergraduate degree at the University of Pennsylvania, Carolee began her career as a teacher. Carolee then developed an interest in natural healing, studying and practicing Reike massage and Acupressure, and also becoming a trainer in Yoga and the ancient Chinese practice of Qigong. Later, Carolee earned a Master of Acupuncture at the Maryland University of Integrative Health in 1999 and continued her very successful, highly respected Acupuncture practice until the time of her recent illness. Carolee’s clients were very loyal to her, and many became life-long friends. With her ageless natural beauty, deep inner peace, and caring nature, Carolee was an irresistible calming force to all whom she came in contact with. As one client and friend said, “Around Carolee one always feels comfortable and at peace.” In addition to her devotion to her healing practices and clients, Carolee was a deeply devoted mother to her daughter Shima. Having raised Shima as a single mother, Carolee’s bond with her was incredibly close and the two rarely let a day go by without speaking. It brought Carolee great joy to see Shima graduate from college, marry her wonderful husband, Darrell Briggs, and then have two beautiful children of her own. Carolee doted on her grandchildren, and they loved their “Mimi” and relished the many hours she spent engaged with them in the interests of their lives. After moving to Florida in 2012, Carolee could not wait until her next visit with her daughter and family, and she lived with them in her final months. Carolee was also deeply devoted to her husband, Bob Williams, whom she married in 2008. With Bob, Carolee found a true connection and soul mate who shared her love of adventure and travel. Carolee and Bob lived life to the fullest: they honeymooned on Italy’s Amalfi coast, took a 10-week trip to India and South Africa, took a 12-week trip to Argentina, vacationed in Costa Rica, and spent time hiking and exploring the Great Smokey Mountain National Park, the Grand Canyon and other wonderful destinations in the United States. Carolee also experienced great delight in the arts. Often with her dear friend Jo Klein, Carolee frequented performances of the Philadelphia Orchestra, the Pennsylvania ballet, the Museum of Art, and attended many plays. Her knowledge of classical music was extensive and she could always identify the composer when asked. She also loved to dance, and could do so tirelessly when given the opportunity. Carolee is survived by her husband, Bob Williams, her daughter and son-in-law, Shima and Darrell Briggs, of Wayne, Pennsylvania, her grandchildren Morgan and Gavin Briggs, her brother, Jack Coy and his wife Marilyn Coy, of Hot Springs, Arkansas, Jack’s daughter Michele Coy of Mercersburg, Pennsylvania, and her cousin, Mike Carter and his wife, Pat, of Naples, Florida, and their children David and Lauren Carter, by husband Bob’s daughter, Jenny Williams, and her husband, David Clark, and their children Paco, Whitman and Clementine, and by Bob’s son, Bruce Williams, and his wife, Gina Alsdorf, and their children Lucy, Violet and Eli Williams. Carolee’s beautiful smile, patient and generous spirit, zest for life, and calm self-assurance will be sorely missed by everyone who has had the privilege of knowing her. Memorial Service will be private. Contributions may be sent to: Healthy Families, The Florida Center, 4630 17th Street, Sarasota, FL 34235, c/o Debby Keyso.