Obituary of Mary E. Parkinson

Mrs. Mary Ella Parkinson, 87, formerly of Arkell Hall, Canajoharie, New York, died Saturday, November 8, 2008 at the Mountain Valley Hospice House in Gloversville. Born on August 17, 1921, she was the daughter of John J. Haley and Agnes O'Hara. Mrs. Parkinson was a graduate of Canajoharie High School, Class of 1940. She was employed at Canajoharie Central School as a Teacher's Aide from 1967 until her retirement on September 30, 1978. Prior to that, Mrs. Parkinson was employed at Beech-Nut and was also a homemaker. She was a lifetime resident of Canajoharie. Mrs. Parkinson was a member of the Reformed Church of Canajoharie, joining on April 12, 1936. Mrs. Parkinson held the longest current church membership of anyone in the congregation. She enjoyed the former, Monday Evening Club, now the Mohawk Valley Women's Club, which she joined March 2, 1959. Mary also joined the Garden Club in October of 1978. Mrs. Parkinson was active in the community, receiving many letters of gratitude for contributing to the community. On January 11, 1947 she was married to Robert J. Parkinson. He preceded her in death on November 19, 2003. Mrs. Parkinson is survived by her daughter, Judy and her husband Gary Ureda of Agoura Hills, CA, grandson, Weston Ureda of Agoura Hills, CA, and a brother, John "Jack" and his wife Ginny Haley of Arizona.