Obituary for Evelyn M. (Knapp) Parkes
Evelyn M. Parkes, 95, of Clinton, MA died on Saturday May 2, 2020 at Clinton Hospital.
Evelyn was born on February 9, 1925 in Newark, NJ to Harry and Katherine (Middleton) Knapp. She grew up in Newark and was valedictorian of her high school class. Evelyn was married to Richard (Dick) S. Parkes for 54 years until his death in 2009.
Evelyn’s life centered around her family, her church family, and her faith. She attended and was a member of The United Church of Christ-Congregational of Boxborough for 45 years. Her selflessness and caring for others cannot be overstated. Never putting herself before anybody else, she was the most kind, caring person you would ever want to meet. In addition, when a situation called for it, she had a strength that was unmatched as well.
Evelyn worked various part time jobs over the years, but her true calling was caring for her family and doing God’s work. Evelyn spent much of her time crocheting prayer shawls, as well as making and collecting hats and gloves for homeless shelters. She was the center and strength of her family until the end of her life.
Evelyn loved crocheting, shopping at thrift stores, Christmas (preparation began in the summer!), following the Red Sox, game shows, word puzzles, sitting by the ocean listening to the waves, and especially any time spent with family.
Evelyn is survived by her son Richard Parkes and his partner Kathleen O’Connor of Milton, grandsons Justin Parkes of Brighton and Ricky Parkes of Worcester, and several nieces and nephews including Gregory Baechtle and his wife Carolyn of Summerville, SC. She is predeceased by her husband Richard S. Parkes, daughter Denise Parkes, sister Katherine and brother Richard.
Burial is in South Cemetery, Boxborough, with services to be held at a later date. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations to the United Church of Christ-Congregational of Boxborough, 723 Massachusetts Ave, Boxborough, MA 01719, would be much appreciated.
Memorial page actonfuneralhome.com
Evelyn was born on February 9, 1925 in Newark, NJ to Harry and Katherine (Middleton) Knapp. She grew up in Newark and was valedictorian of her high school class. Evelyn was married to Richard (Dick) S. Parkes for 54 years until his death in 2009.
Evelyn’s life centered around her family, her church family, and her faith. She attended and was a member of The United Church of Christ-Congregational of Boxborough for 45 years. Her selflessness and caring for others cannot be overstated. Never putting herself before anybody else, she was the most kind, caring person you would ever want to meet. In addition, when a situation called for it, she had a strength that was unmatched as well.
Evelyn worked various part time jobs over the years, but her true calling was caring for her family and doing God’s work. Evelyn spent much of her time crocheting prayer shawls, as well as making and collecting hats and gloves for homeless shelters. She was the center and strength of her family until the end of her life.
Evelyn loved crocheting, shopping at thrift stores, Christmas (preparation began in the summer!), following the Red Sox, game shows, word puzzles, sitting by the ocean listening to the waves, and especially any time spent with family.
Evelyn is survived by her son Richard Parkes and his partner Kathleen O’Connor of Milton, grandsons Justin Parkes of Brighton and Ricky Parkes of Worcester, and several nieces and nephews including Gregory Baechtle and his wife Carolyn of Summerville, SC. She is predeceased by her husband Richard S. Parkes, daughter Denise Parkes, sister Katherine and brother Richard.
Burial is in South Cemetery, Boxborough, with services to be held at a later date. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations to the United Church of Christ-Congregational of Boxborough, 723 Massachusetts Ave, Boxborough, MA 01719, would be much appreciated.
Memorial page actonfuneralhome.com