Vera Parker

Born: October 22, 1930

Died: July 9, 2021

Parker, Vera

Vera Parker (née Corcoran) died on Friday, July 9 at the robust age of 90. She passed away on her terms, as we would expect - peacefully and without bother. As she said for the past few years, she was “ready for God to take her home.”

Vera was born in County Galway, Ireland on October 22, 1930 to Peter and Nora Corcoran. She was one of eight children, and was the last surviving member of the family. In 1949, she journeyed to the United States to start a new adventure. Upon arriving in New York, she worked hard at a variety of jobs in an effort to make a better life for herself. Along the way, she met Michael Parker (also an Irish transplant - from County Roscommon) and married in 1954. Her focus swiftly shifted to making a better life for her family and they moved from the Bronx to New City. As she desired, she remained in the same home on Baldwin Place for almost fifty years - always surrounded by loving and supportive friends and neighbors.

Much like her siblings, family was always her top priority. She devoted her life to raising her children and grandchildren, and for caring for many, many children in the area - and all became part of a very extended family. She had a unique passion for kids - playing with them, dancing with them, reading with them and always having fun; while at the same time, making sure their homework was done, their prayers were said, and they respected their elders.

Everyone who had the pleasure of meeting Vera, learned of her smile, her strength and her completely selfless nature. They learned of her passion for baking - for others. Her Irish soda bread and signature brownies were always eagerly devoured. For anyone who passed through her front door, respecting her passion for the New York Yankees was the only option.

She was also devoted to God and was a long-time parishioner and Eucharistic minister of St. Augustine’s in New City. Very much like her beloved sister, Georgina, her nurturing quality, candidness, quick wit, sense of humor and unwavering love were admired by all. Vera is survived by her two daughters, Irene Fico (Tom) and Veronica Wisker (Rich), and son John Parker (Lisa). Cherished grandmother to Tommy, Danielle, Ryan, Michael, Kaitlyn, and Ava. She is also survived by her brother in law, Andrew Farrelly, brother in law, John Clarke, brother in law John Parker, and brother in law and sister in law, Patsy and Francie Kenny; as well as many cousins, nieces and nephews here and abroad. Vera will be deeply missed by all of her friends and those that she has touched by her love and kindness.

Family will receive friends at Higgins Funeral Home in New City on Tuesday from 4-8pm. A funeral mass will be held on Wednesday at St. Augustine Church in New City at 10am followed by interment at St. Anthony Cemetery in Nanuet. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that you donate to Vera’s two favorite charities: St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital and the Wounded Warrior Project.