Audrey B. Parker

Audrey’s life was dedicated to others, especially to children and to her church. Her care and tenderness toward children spanned her entire career as a school teacher; across the decades and across the country, having taught in Pueblo, Colorado, Silver Creek, NY and finally in the Kindergarten classroom at Fredonia Elementary School. She often spoke of teaching as ‘a two-way street,’ saying, “I learned as much from them, as they did from me.” Teaching the little ones the natural sciences was of utmost importance to her. She believed in the adage that “one touch of nature makes the whole World ‘akin’.” Such words couldn’t be more true.

For Audrey, teaching continued on Sundays as well, at the Trinity Episcopal Church in Fredonia New York, where she taught weekly Sunday School for nearly forty years. She was a very active member of the church where she belonged to the flower and altar guilds, and to the womens’ group for which she served as treasurer.

Audrey found time for family and friends alike, often going out-of-her-way to brighten someone’s day, or to make a floral arrangement for a friend. She was an avid gardener – a member and treasurer of the Blood ‘n’ Bloom Garden Club. For many years she cited the motto: “when the World wearies, and Society ceases to satisfy, there is always the Garden.” A consummate poet, Audrey could often be found in the stairwell of her home writing verses in honor of friends and family, or as a special addition to a gift. She often said the stairs were a “safe haven on a bad-hair day.” That stairwell has long been adorned with her poetry and family photos.

Audrey attributed her longevity to the love of sports in her youth, and in later years, to the game of golf. She credited her late parents too, both of whom were born in 1888 and lived into the 1970s. In addition to her parents, she was predeceased by her high school sweetheart and husband, John A. Parker. The two were married in August of 1950. She will be welcomed, also, by her siblings, James (June) Brimmer; Marjorie (Robert) Burlett; nephews; Mark and David Brimmer; and by her beloved daughter, Bethany Ann Knaus, for whom she kept a silent solace.

She is survived by her son, Scott Parker, granddaughter, Lindsay Beth Parker, grandson, Judah Parker Shain, and great granddaughter, Willow Grace Parker, all whom she loved unconditionally. She will be missed by several nieces, nephews, grand nieces, grand nephews, great-grand nieces, and great-grand nephews – Kimberly Burlett, James (Maxine) Brimmer, Dawn (Joseph) Raniero, Heather (Robert) Clifford, Jeffrey (Laurie) Collins, Dantel Perfetto, Jessica Raniero, Sara Raniero, Kaylyn Collins, Shyla Clifford, Joey Raniero and Lance Clifford, as well as good friends, Kathy and Ken Tooley.

A memorial service will be held, Saturday, Nov. 1st, 2025, at 10 am at Trinity Episcopal Church, 11 Day St., Fredonia, NY. Relatives and friends may call at the church from 9 am until 10 am. Arrangements have been made by the FANTAUZZI FUNERAL HOME, 82 E Main St., Fredonia, NY.