Patricia "Pat" Parker

Patricia “Pat” Parker, 92, beloved mother and wife, dedicated community volunteer, and positive role model to all who knew her, died August 12th surrounded by her family. Born in Sandusky, Ohio, she lived in Chicago before earning her BA at DePauw University in 1951. At DePauw, she met Maclyn “Mac” Parker of New Castle, Indiana where he first saw her leading the drum majorettes in the marching band. After marrying in 1952, Pat supported Mac at the University of Michigan Law School by working as a dietician for the Livonia School System of Detroit, and then following him across the country while Mac completed service as a naval officer, before finally landing in Fort Wayne, Indiana in 1958. Together, they raised three children. Pat was a dedicated community volunteer over her 64 years in Fort Wayne. She was a founder of the McMillen Health Center and served on the board for 32 years. She also served 40 years on the Rea Magnet Wire Scholarship Committee, on the board of the History Center, as President of the Junior League, and leadership roles with the Newcomers Club, Park Center, Community Foundation, Inter-Agency Alcohol and Drug Council, The Sister City Committee, First Presbyterian Foundation, and Boys and Girls Club. In 2013, Pat received the Tapestry Award from Indiana-Purdue Fort Wayne (IPFW), an award given to one of the most outstanding volunteers in the community, as well as awards from the Junior League and McMillen Center. She was a loyal supporter of Kappa Alpha Theta, and a Jubilee 50-year member of First Presbyterian Church. Pat led an active and healthy lifestyle that was reflected in her forever youthful appearance and positive outlook. She was an enthusiastic tennis player, a long-time skier, and an avid traveler. Family was always foremost in Pat's life. She was a devoted wife of 70 years, mother of three, and grandmother of seven. Pat is survived by her loving husband, Maclyn Parker; her children, Pamela Parker Johnson, Carole Parker and Kristi Parker Celico, and their spouses, Rodney Johnson, Dan Reicher and Mike Nelson; her grandchildren, Victoria and Christopher Johnson, Haley, William and Graham Reicher, and Sasha and Samuel Celico. She will be deeply missed by the many friends and family who will remember her “up” attitude, her community spirit, and her passionate devotion. A public memorial service will be held September 12th at 11 A.M. at First Presbyterian Church, 300 West Wayne Street, Fort Wayne, followed by a private reception and burial service. Visitation will also be held from 2 to 6pm, Sunday, September 11, 2022, at D.O. McComb and Sons Covington Knolls Funeral Home, 8325 Covington Road, Fort Wayne. In lieu of flowers, preferred memorials may be made to the Pat Parker Memorial Scholarship Fund at McMillen Health Center.