LUBEC – Kathlene M. Parker “Kay”, 96, left her home quietly and serenely July 13, 2007, to be with her husband, William and sons, Vincent and Joseph. She was born Jan. 25, 1911, in Brockton, Mass., one of seven children to Charles and Elizabeth McWilliams. She married William Parker Sr. during World War ll and he brought her to Lubec, where she has spent her life, fully knowing that life is short and all days and hours are precious. Kay was the founder of Washington County Association for Retarded Citizens in 1957, and later for Sunrise Opportunities in 1985. She remained an active board member since day one, and has been a board member emeritus since 1998. Under Kay’s steady leadership the agency grew from a small program operating for two weeks in the summer to a year-round program, serving more than 100 adults with intellectual disabilities and mental illness in a variety of day, residential and outreach programs throughout Washington County. When the agency built a new office building to house their central administrative functions, they appropriately named the building after her. The Kay Parker Building is located at 66 Hadley Lake Road, Machias, and is a fitting tribute to a woman whose unselfish dedication to improving the lives of people with disabilities has had a lasting impact on thousands of lives in Washington County. Kay loved the Democratic Party and Democrats loved Kay. She made many friends among Democrats when she served on both the county and state Democratic Committees. She was long the senior member of the Lubec Democratic Committee. She generously shared space on her front lawn for campaign signs, as she worked hard for the candidates. As she grew older she became affectionately known as “The Grand Old Lady of the Party.” We will miss her, but will continue to be inspired by her memory. We ask Kay to give our regard to her heroes, Tom Jefferson and Franklin D. Roosevelt. We know those great spirits have welcomed her home. Kay was a devout Catholic, starting at St. Patricks, West Lubec and then to Sacred Heart, Lubec. She worked tirelessly for Sacred Heart Church, while being active in the other churches in the community. Kay loved to sing and shared her voice with many at all funerals and weddings and shows. Mum hoped that her children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren would comprehend that the span of any life was short and all the days and hours are precious. She hoped that they would live life fully while they were alive, in the dimensions of both its duties and its beauties. She leaves behind her beloved son, William Parker Jr.; and daughters, Catherine and Ellen; grandsons, Derek, Robert Jr. and Vincent; great-grand-daughters, Rhiannon and Tori. A wake will be held 7-9 p.m. Tuesday, July 17, at Sacred Heart Catholic Church, Lubec, where a funeral Mass will be held 10 a.m. Wednesday with the Very Rev. Eugene Gaffey, celebrant. Interment will be after at Olson Cemetery, Lubec. Arrangements are in care of McClure Family Funeral Services, Lubec.
KATHLENE M PARKER
