Pauline Ida Materna Parker, 91, of Hendersonville, NC, died Sunday, July 13, 2008 at Life Care of Hendersonville following a period of declining health.
She was born in Waynesburg, Ohio, the daughter of the late Julius and Caroline Materna, and the 12th of 13 children. She was also preceded in death by her husband of 56 years, Howard C. Parker, and sons, Howard C. Parker II and Royden Carl Parker.
She was graduated from the St. Thomas School of Nursing, Akron, Ohio, and joined the Army Nurse Corps/Army Air Corps. She truly loved nursing and helping others, and inspired many with her compassionate, joyful and positive spirit. She also enjoyed gardening, reading and poetry, traveling, needlework, bridge and bingo, was an enthusiastic “Cubs and Bulls” fan, and volunteered with many church, school and community organizations. But she loved the Lord and being with her family most of all, and her sincere faith, and calm, often humorous presence, just added to the great love we all have for her. We will miss her very much and will always cherish the special memories she helped create. She was a member of the Minooka United Methodist Church in Minooka, Illinois.
She is survived by one son, Millard Parker and his wife, Carmen, of Conifer, CO; two daughters, Paulann Benfield and her husband, Eric, of Hendersonville, and Susannah Chadwick and her husband, Andy, of Aurora, CO; five grandchildren, Robert and Marshall Benfield, and Jacob, David and Nathanael Chadwick; two great-grandsons, Brandt and Parker Benfield; a sister, Blanche Faigley of Bolivar, OH; and several nieces and nephews.
A family graveside service will be held at a later date.
The family would like to express their deepest gratitude to the compassionate and professional staffs at Lake Pointe Landing and Life Care of Hendersonville, who brought such meaningful care and happiness into her life, and to her many friends who blessed her in countless, special ways. Thank you for your love, prayers and encouragement.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to a charity of the donor’s choice.
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