Michele E. Parrish

With shattered hearts and humble acceptance of God's will, we announce that our cherished wife, mother, Glamma, sister, and friend, Michele E. Parrish, passed away surrounded by family on January 31, 2025. Born in Fulton, NY, she was the daughter of the late George and Evelyn Samson.
For 55 years, Michele was married to her beloved husband, John, and together they created a life full of love, laughter, and unforgettable memories. Together they raised three children. They formed a home where all were welcome and immediately made honorary family members. It wouldn't be uncommon for her house to be full of all her children's friends or to drive by and see the neon Shamrock glowing to know that Parrish's Pub was open.
Michele was often the life of the party and always ready for a good time. Michele's vibrant spirit was reflected in her endless enthusiasm for gatherings and celebrations - Cousin's Reunion, Bunco/Let It Ride with friends, or the annual Super Bowl Party. She was warmly known by most as "Aunt Mike". Her infectious laughter, crazy antics and ever-present zest for life made her a "Treasure" to her family and beyond. She had a natural charm for making everyone she encountered feel special, always with a warm smile, a kind word, and a heart full of generosity. She never left the house without her makeup and her flair for fashion-she always believed in presenting the world with her best self.
She was a proud member of St. Mary's Star of the Sea Church, where for many years she taught church school for the Sacrament of First Holy Communion. Most recently, she was a member of the North Volney Methodist Church. Her faith was the foundation of her life. She was devoted to deepening her beliefs through prayer and meditation. She would often be the loudest and longest Amen after blessings at family dinner.
Michele had a passion for shopping-so much so that she and her beloved sister, Judy, proudly "saved the economy" one purchase at a time. She also had a deep love for gardening and interior decorating, ensuring her home was always surrounded by beauty, inside and out. She also served as the chairperson of the Town of Volney Zoning Board of Appeals and Tax Grievance Boards for many years. She also was a certified Reiki and aerobics instructor.
Even though Michele was the best mother to her children, her passion for life was evident in her love for her grandchildren. They brought her immense joy, and she adored spending time with them, attending their school or sporting events, showering them with love and sharing her wit and wisdom. Although they mostly referred to her as Nana, she often thought that Glamma was a more fitting name. We all will miss the game of "what crazy trick did Nana make to the kitchen shelf".
Michele is survived by her loving husband, John Parrish, her children, Jennifer (Howard Robbins) Parrish, David (Michelle) Parrish, and Joanne (Jan) Solnar and the beloved grandchildren, Lauren Salisbury, Benjamin Solnar, Adalynn Parrish, Brooklyn Solnar, Henry Parrish as well as her siblings: Joanne "Judy" Dirk and Honore (William) Lyons.
She has been reunited in heaven with her sweet granddaughter, Ava Michele Parrish, and her siblings: Mary Evelyn Caprin, John "Jackie" Samson, Margaret Foraker, George Samson, Francis Samson, Thomas Samson, Robert Samson, Brian Samson and Deborah "Gen" Rupert.
Michele's legacy of love, faith, and service will live on in the hearts of all who knew her. She will be deeply missed but never forgotten, and her radiant spirit will continue to shine brightly in the lives of her family, friends, and community. May her Irish eyes be eternally smiling down on us all.
Calling hours will be on Saturday, February 15, 2025, from 11:00 am to 1 pm., with a funeral service immediately following at Foster Funeral Home, 910 Fay St., Fulton, NY 13069. Her burial will be on June 21, 2025, at North Volney Cemetery followed by a Celebration of Michele's life. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to North Volney Methodist Church.
Family and friends are encouraged to email any special memories and photos with Aunt Mike to makingmemorieswithauntmike@gmail.com. These will be compiled to share at her celebration of life.