Edith E. Parker
On Saturday, October 8, 2022, Edith E. Parker, loving mother, and grandmother, passed away at the age of 95. Edith was born on May 10, 1927, in Centralia, WA to Guy and Edith (Smith) Phare. She was raised by her aunt and uncle, Estella, and Ellsworth Smith, in Toledo, WA. She graduated from Toledo High School and moved to Detroit before settling in Portland, OR where she met the love of her life, George Parker. They married in 1955 and raised four children, Claire, James, Edith, and Ann. Edith was a long-time Portland resident establishing roots going back to the early 1950's only recently moving back to Washington to be closer to family. Edith was passionate about the outdoors and conservation of the environment; she attributes this to her childhood growing up on Layton Prairie. She was an avid hiker, mountain climber, and back packer. She climbed several Cascade Mountain peaks as a young adult. Edith hiked most, if not all, of the trails in the Columbia Gorge, in and around Mt. St. Helens, Mt. Adams, and Mt. Hood. An avid birder, she often went on trips with the Audubon Society. Edith was a voracious reader with a range of interests, collecting and reading books from science to politics and everything in between. She could hold her own in any discussion on politics or contemporary social issue. She was a kind, generous, and compassionate human being. She opened her home and her heart to many people, especially to those most marginalized by society. Edith is preceded in death by her parents, husband, George Parker, children, Claire and James, and great grandson, Ezekiel. She is survived by her children, Edith (Don) and Ann (Kahu), her beloved grandchildren, Anthony, Andrew, and Michael, and great grandchildren, Jaxon, Magnolia, and Patrick. The funeral will be a private ceremony with only close family members present. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests a donation to Southern Poverty Law Center, Friends of the Columbia Gorge, or Oregon Natural Desert Association.
