Martha Jeanne Parham

Martha Parham Obituary

PARHAM, MARTHA JEANNE She had "Good Timin" April 9, 1940 ~ December 24, 2006 Survived by her children, Elizabeth, Gerald, Katherine and son-in-law, Paul. Her grandchildren, Jason Michael, Joseph Alexander and Kaitlin Rose. "We love you Gango you're the best"! Also, survived by her loving brother Gary and The Grimes Family. Peace is a person I am leaving you with a gift-peace of mind and heart. And the peace I give you isn't like the peace the world gives. So don't be troubled or afraid. John 14:27 NLT Mom, Gango, Marty and Jeanne Cheer's to her loyalty, knowledge, grace, and humor. Forever accepting and loving of her family and friends, and the special times near or far. She was a gourmet chef and her love of reading and literature where boundless. She cared passionately about politics and social issues and was active in President Clinton's election to office in 1993. Jeanne published Dawn Magazine, an Orange County lifestyle magazine for women and families - 1975-1988. Advertising sales professional for newspapers, including The Orange County Register, Los Angeles Times, Orange Daily News, Santa Monica Outlook. Woman of the Year, 1984 -- Soroptimists International (Orange County chapter). Soroptimist International (SI) is a worldwide organization for professional women who volunteer to do service projects to advance human rights and the status of women. Soroptimists work together in a spirit of friendship and fun to make the world a better place for all. Working at all levels of civil society, local, national and international, Soroptimists are involved with a wide spectrum of women's concerns. www.soroptimistinternational.org EVANS-BROWN MORTUARIES (951) 679-1114

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Published by The Press-Enterprise on Dec. 31, 2006.

Memories and Condolences
for Martha Parham

5 Entries

Martin Hynes

January 1, 2007

Dear Liz, Ger, Katie and Paul-

I'm so glad I got to know your mom, and that I have great memories of her warmth, humor, and fantastic cooking. I'll never forget her Command Performance meal up in Hollywood for us wayward, cuisine-impaired kids (Ger, me, Thomas, Kathleen and Dave). She whipped up a feast, then helped adjudicate the age-old U.S. v. Canadian Oreo Debate. Her clear, uncomplicated devotion to you and her grandchildren was a reminder of how things are supposed to work; a lesson on what kitchens and homes are for: Love. I'll miss her, too.

With love,
Martin

Tom and Marlene Meyer

January 1, 2007

Dear children and family of Jeanne-
We remember your mother for her sense of humor. What fun we all had on Santa Susana. We were saddened by the news of her death and hold you in our thoughts and prayers.

Our 2006 Family Vacation to the Ahwahnee Hotel Yosemite Ca

Elizabeth, Paul, Joseph and Kaitlin Rose Garino

December 31, 2006

We loved our beautiful stay in Yosemite this year and all the things we did. Our fantastic Thanksgiving. We look forward to creating new and exciting adventures this 2007…
We'll miss you and know that you are having great fun tonight with great people…

we love you

Susan Ruyle

December 31, 2006

Dear Jeanne,
I have so many happy memories of creating Dawn for the Orange County Woman with you and Maureen, of giving birth to our "baby"; yes, it took us 9 months to prepare and sell the first issue. I remember you as a creative force behind the selling of ads, being tenacious in your approach to clients, "making your eyes shine" as you called it when it was time to make the close and get them to sign the contract.

The male business owners laughed at us and said, "where is your track record, girls?" But they bought ads in spite of that. We came up with the whole idea at one too many parties on Santa Susana when you said, "I'm bored; let's start a business." I said, "great; I did the creative writing magazine in college; let's start a magazine." You said, "I sold ads for Trailer Life; we're all set." Maureen had raised 5 children. Her life experience was more than enough background. I worked on the first year of the magazine, then needed to "retire" when we adopted Monica. Ultimately I returned to teaching.

Then, when it was almost time to celebrate Dawn's 10th anniversary you called and said there had been a mysterious fire at the office; the boards were a mess, and the editor and art director had disappeared. Could I come and help get out the next issue. I stayed for the final year of that beautiful magazine. I hope you were as proud of our work as I was. People still admire it and wish it had continued publishing. We were brave to create a women's magazine in 1975 in conservative Orange County!

When I named the new magazine Dawn: Orange County Arts, Cultures, and Innovations, ( with your blessing) many people remembered Dawn #1 and were happy to know that I was the same editor. What I wouldn't have given to have a young, vibrant Jeanne Parham selling ads for that magazine! Student interns just couldn't do it.

In spite of some of our clashes over business decisions (actually you were usually right) I always felt that we were lifelong friends. I learned so much from you and cherished your friendship. I hope you knew this. We always think we have endless time with people, time to tell them how we feel about their importance in our lives. We don't! We need to cherish them and show them our love each time we see them (sorry if I sound a little preachy here; you know this, wherever you are right now). I know where your body will be, but I'm sure your powerful spirit will live on in your children, grandchildren, and many friends.

Love,
Susan Ruyle

Marylou and Jim Cantarella

December 31, 2006

You always had great passion for your beliefs, and I will miss our many, many discussions. I know you have found peace.

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