Lois Louise Fitchett Parker, an educator, artist, humanitarian and true "New Deal" believer, was born October 20, 1924 to Everett Fitchett and Gladys Wrinkle Fitchett in Merced, California. She passed away on July 14, 2025, in Merced at the age of 100.
Lois grew up in Merced, attended Farmdale and John Muir schools, and graduated from Merced High School in 1942. Her best memories of school were when she and her four siblings rode to Farmdale School every day with their mother who was also their teacher. After high school Lois married serviceman, Tom Parker, and departed Merced to support the war effort. They returned to Merced after the war and raised their two sons, Tom and Michael, here. Later as their sons became older, and with strong encouragement from her brother-in-law, John Kollmann, Lois went to college and eventually realized her dream of becoming a teacher. She taught at Porterville Elementary and Los Angeles Unified School District. Her creativity and passion for teaching touched the lives of many children. She retired from Los Angeles schools after 25 years of teaching. She and Tom returned to Merced upon retirement in 1987.
Lois is preceded in death by her parents, her husband Tom Parker, and her beloved brothers Bob Fitchett and Raymond Fitchett.
She is survived by her sons, Tom Parker (Anita) and Michael Parker (Cathy), four grandchildren, Rodd Parker (Julie), Kimberly Parker Boyd (Joel), Nicole Parker Morrissey (Terrence) and Leslie Parker, and 6 great grandchildren, Jake Parker, Luke Parker, Layla Boyd, Grace Boyd, Joel Boyd, and Nolan Morrissey. She is also survived by her dearest sisters Alma Kollmann and Sarah Foster and many nieces and nephews.
Services for Lois will be private. The family would like to thank her caregivers Tai Tunnell, Rosalinda Valenzuela, Gloria Ornelas, Bristol Hospice and St. Anthony's Senior Care.
