Virginia M. Parker

Virginia M. Parker died in Sequim, Washington, at age 93. Virginia was born in Waterloo, Iowa, to Walter ("Bud") M. Manning and Lillian A. (Laux) Manning, four years after her sister Eileen ("Pat"). The family moved to Des Moines, Iowa, where she graduated from Roosevelt High School.

Virginia married the love of her life-twice. Her first husband was Harlan R. Porter; they divorced after raising three children. She later met Harvey K. Parker through mutual friends. They moved to Lake Delhi, Iowa, where Harvey died in 2005. Virginia then moved to Sequim to be nearer to her children, and spent the last years of her life enjoying dancing in a hula troupe, organizing bunco gatherings, attending St. Luke's Episcopal Church, and exploring thrift-store bargain shopping.

Virginia loved dark chocolate, dancing, cardinals, bird-of-paradise flowers, reading, piano music, staying abreast of current events, "Coronation Street," old westerns, cats, chiropractors, and causing a sensation. People in Sequim remember her for her bright smile, snappy responses, and ever-present flower in her hair.

Virginia is survived by son Michael Porter (Mary) of Port Townsend, daughter Dawn Dorsett (John) of Bellevue, and son Gregg Porter (Lori Yoshinaga) of Seattle; grandchildren including Tara Porter-Nieman (Craig LaRue), Sarah Dorsett (Geoffrey Allen), Chris Dorsett, Zac Dorsett (Rosie), and Chaz Parker; great-grandchildren, and long-time companion Patrick Dillon.

A memorial service will be held at 11:00 am on Saturday, August 26, at St. Luke's Episcopal Church in Sequim, with reception to follow. Contributions in Virginia's honor may be made to the Dungeness River Nature Center, the Shipley Senior Center, and St. Luke's Church.