Anna Mae (Jacobson) Parry

Anna Mae (Jacobson) Parry, 98, passed away on April 29, 2026 in Columbia City, Indiana, surrounded by her loving family. Anna Mae was born September 9, 1927 in Alhambra, California. The only child of first generation Swedish Americans, Harry and Hilma Jacobson. She married Arthur Parry Jr. after World War II. Being an only child, she knew she wanted multiple children to keep each other company. Anna Mae is survived by four daughters, Linda Parry, Cindy (Mike Lemon) Parry, Patty (Don) Molten and Janet (Steve Boyd) Parry; followed by 9 grandchildren, 12 great-grandchildren and 6 great-great-grandchildren.

She was part of the “Greatest Generation,” having grown up in Chicago during the Great Depression and finding her first job when the country was at war. These experiences helped establish her fundamental value system that stayed with her throughout her life- from modest beginnings to leading a life where she had the opportunity to provide a great life for her family. She never let go of the frugality of avoiding waste and treasured family over material things. “Waste not want not” was her guiding principle. She kept her prized washing machine for 40 years and preferred to be the only one to operate it. Clothes from the 1950’s are still in her closet. Anna Mae spent countless hours planting, weeding and harvesting in her beloved 2500 sq ft vegetable garden. The garden provided for the family plus ample donations of fresh veggies to local nonprofits such as the Fort Wayne Rescue Mission.

Anna Mae graduated from North Side High School and was the first in her extended family to attend college, graduating from Olivet College with a BS degree in Biology. Her biology background and interest in nature fostered future generations of environmentalists, ecologists, a genetic scientist/entomologist, a Doctor of Nursing and bird enthusiasts. She was an avid bird watcher with feeders outside her kitchen window, keeping visitors amazed by her birds and her bird knowledge.

Anna Mae was a woman ahead of her time as she foresaw freshwater as a worldwide issue in the 70’s and recycling a necessary action to avoid ruining our planet. She also fully supported organizations such as Planned Parenthood, ACRES, Girl Scouts, YWCA among many others. She was also active on the board of the Mary Lion Women’s Guild at Plymouth Congregational Church, President of the Aboite Garden Club and leader of a Girl Scout Troop.

Anna Mae and Art loved to take family on trips to explore the world- from the Galapagos Islands to the Colorado Rockies and canoe trips on the Pine River. Evenings were often spent at the kitchen table, generations playing Bananagrams, cards and doing crossword puzzles…A time of sharing with our lovely mother, grandmother and great grandmother, who will be greatly missed.

A Celebration of Life will be held at 1:00 pm on Friday, July 24, 2026 at her daughter Cindy’s home in Columbia City. In lieu of flowers memorial contributions may be made to Parkview Whitley County Hospice or Humane Fort Wayne.