Anita Thornton Parker

Anita Thornton Parker, 84, passed away peacefully, surrounded by her loved ones, on August 29, 2025, in Albany, New York. Born on March 2, 1941, in Youngstown, Ohio, Anita's life was a testament to her unwavering faith and selfless heart.

Anita was the beloved daughter of the late E. Carroll Thornton and Lucy (Evans) Thornton. Her educational journey began at Rayen High School and led her to Westminster College and Youngstown University, where she earned a Bachelor's Degree in Elementary Education. It was during her high school years that Anita met Bert, and their romance truly blossomed in college. The couple married on December 23, 1961, and embarked on a life filled with love, family, and adventure.

With a heart for service, Anita was known as a "professional volunteer." Her commitment to others was evident in her roles as a Brownie Leader, Camp Fire Leader, Junior League member, Hospice volunteer, Cancer Society volunteer, Deaconess at the Saratoga Chapel, Chairman of both the Capital District and Saratoga Christian Women's Clubs, a speaker for Christian Women's Club giving her testimony all over the North East, and a dedicated volunteer at the Baptist Nursing Home and Rehabilitation Center for 35 years, also serving on its board of directors.

Anita's Christian faith was the cornerstone of her existence. She found immense joy in singing Christian music, leading Bible studies, and sharing her faith in Jesus. Her love for gardening is fondly remembered, especially how she made it her mission to ensure no weed ever dared set root on her watch.

Traveling was another of Anita's passions, and she cherished the opportunities to explore the world and the country with Bert. However, her favorite destinations were always when her family was by her side.

She was preceded in death by her parents and sister, Marnie Thomas. Her legacy continues through her devoted husband of over six decades, Bertram "Bert" Garfield Parker II, and her cherished children, Cindy (Bill) Kuntzman, Phoebe (Daryl) Ostergren, and Lisa (Jesse) Jock. Anita's joy was multiplied by her adoring grandchildren, Matthew, Andy, Leah, Bethany (Thomas), Sarah (Jake), and Jordan (Sakiya), her treasured great-grandchildren, Alayna and Emma, and her brother, E. Carroll (Donna) Thornton Jr.

Calling hours will be held on Friday, September 12th, from 5:00 PM to 7:00 PM at Glenville Funeral Home, 9 Glenridge Road. A Memorial Service will be held on Saturday, September 13th 12:00 noon, at the Saratoga Chapel, 359 Eastline Rd. Ballston Lake, NY.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Baptist Nursing and Rehabilitation Center, 297 Ballston Rd, Scotia, NY 12302.