Helen E. O’Neil Parker

1917 - 2017

Helen E. O’Neil Parker TROY - Helen E. O’Neil Parker of Beechwood Apartments, Troy passed away from a brief illness at Samaritan Hospital on Tuesday May 9th. She was the wife of the late Joseph A. Parker, retired news copy editor of The Record in Troy New York. Born in Utica on Nov 27, 1917 and was the daughter of the late John J. S. O’Neil and Elsie Mabel Carr O’Neil. After graduating from the Utica Free Academy, she studied at Skidmore College for two years before transferring to Syracuse University from which she graduated in 1940 with a BS in Home Economics. She met the love of her life while in college at Syracuse and married 7 years later. Nana taught home economics at Sandy Creek High School in Oswego county and later in Monticello High School before her appointment as 4-H club associate agent of Albany County. She was a member since 1945 and former vice president of the Zonta Club of Albany, classified service club of professional and business women, in which she had just received the prestigious proclamation for over 70 years for her dedicated service. She did volunteer work as a librarian at Mary Worth Library in Clinton heights, Albany Medical Center, Childs Hospital and as a evaluator at Fairs and was on the executive committee of the Rensselaer County 4-H Club. Nana was a charter member of Cordial Greens Country Club and later Evergreen Country Club and chairman for many years of the Ladies Thursday League. She was also a member of the N.Y. State Museum Associates, the Rensselaer County Historical Society, the Greenbush Historical Society and Capital District Syracuse University Alumni assn. Nana and her husband “Poppy” had toured over 31 countries on their vacations and enjoyed to travel very much. She is survived by one son Michael G. Parker, his wife Regina C. Parker and 3 grandchildren. Darcey Parker, Morgan M. Parker and his wife Amy, Brennen K. Parker and his wife Michele. Pre deceased by Taylor A. Parker, 5 Great grandchildren, Brianna, Cody and Taylor, Nicholas, and Emma along with Several nieces and nephews including Jackie and Eric Kessler, Denise (Don) Jury, James Graney, Nancy (Ron) Nelson, Robert Ames (Sue) She thoroughly enjoyed her time at Beechwood Independent retirement community for over 17 years. She participated and was a part of many activities and committees. The Beechwood community was truly her sanctuary and everyone that worked there were always there to help whenever needed. Kim Sampson (Director), Nancy Hanby, Keith, Vickie and Van the driver. As she always said “ The residents are what makes Beechwood what it is” The Parker Family wants to say a special Thank you to Sabrina Herring from NurseCore for her kindness and compassion over the last 3 years and to Beechwood for all of the favor and grace they provided her for many years, the entire staff at Samaritan Hospital ER and ICU. In Lieu of flowers, please make a donation to the Unity house of Troy N.Y. , NABA for the Blind and St. Peter’s Health Partners. Nana donated her body to the Anatomical gift program at Albany Medical Center, a small memorial service will follow at the Saratoga National Cemetery where she will be interred with her late husband Joseph A. Parker.