Irma Parker

Irma Parker was born in Ulm, Germany in 1921, and died May 5, 2020. Irma traveled alone across the Atlantic Ocean at age 9 to reunite with her mother in the United States. They lived in Bridgeport, Connecticut, and Irma relocated to attend the University of Chicago, from which she graduated with a degree in French. She was employed for 45 years as an editor, writer, and translator for Commerce Clearing House in Chicago, and even spent some time working for them in their London office. Irma was a native German speaker, and also fluent in French.

Irma was an avid traveler, and made several around –the- world trips via private jet. She was a charter member of the Travelers Century Club for those who have visited at least 100 countries. She also enjoyed golf, tennis, and bridge, but her true passion was opera, especially German opera. She traveled to Bayreuth for the Wagner Ring Cycle, and was a member of the Wagner Society in Chicago. She was also actively involved with other cultural and educational institutions, including International House at the University of Chicago where she co-endowed a fund which provides support for performing arts, with an emphasis on classical music programs.

Irma remained active into her 90’s, and was frequently seen walking in the park to feed the squirrels. She gave up her bicycle very reluctantly at age 93. Her resting place is near the Tree of Life in the chapel at Mt. Emblem Cemetery in Elmhurst, Illinois, and The Arbor Day Foundation has planted and registered five trees in Superior National Forest, MN as a tribute.