Mary Elisabeth "Betty" Parken

1914 - 2016

Mary Elisabeth (Betty) Parken, age 102, of Painted Post, NY passed away on Sunday, August 21, 2016 at her home surrounded by family.
Betty was born on July 21, 1914 in Corning, NY, the daughter of the late Frank H. and the late Bonnie (Tucker) Ferris. She was a graduate of Corning Free Academy. She married Walter H. Parken, Sr. in 1940 in Brazil. He predeceased her on November 30, 2002.

After marriage, Walter's employment with Ingersoll Rand led them both to live and raise their five children in both South America and the United States. She will be remembered as a loving and devoted wife, mother and grandmother. Betty loved participating in community projects. She was active in a number of volunteer organizations, including: Cub Scouts, patterning with the physically disabled youth, and knitting small kittens for the elderly and children. When she wasn't assisting others, she loved to sing. She had a beautiful voice and would often sing her children to sleep.

She is survived by four children: Bonnie (Peggy Bayles) Parken of Hoffman Estates, IL, Marguerite Harris of Wallingford, PA, John Parken of Painted Post, NY, Peter (Nancy) Parken of Painted Post, NY; seven grandchildren: Mary Elisabeth "Molly"(Aaron) Tavel, Sara (Luke) Harris-Brown, William Parken, Anne (Scott) Purdy, Hilary (Ben) Klein, Katherine Parken, Michael Parken; five great-grandchildren: Ronan Tavel, Trevor Purdy, Jack Purdy, Ellie Tavel and Eve Elizabeth Purdy.

In addition to her husband, Walter, Betty was predeceased by her son, Walter Howard Parken, Jr. in 1983; and son-in-law, James Harris.

Private services will be held at the convenience of the family. Carpenter's Funeral Home, 14 E. Pulteney St., Corning, NY has been entrusted with the arrangements.

In lieu of flowers, donations in Betty's name may be sent to: CareFirst, 3805 Meads Creek Road, Painted Post, NY 14870.