Carolyn Behrhorst Parker

Born on August 25, 1938, in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, Connie was the eldest child of Kip and Kay Behrhorst. She attended Northwestern University, where she studied art and music, passions that remained central to her life. She spent a year in Paris, studying at Sorbonne University where her French language skills truly blossomed. After graduating, she moved to New York City and worked as a stewardess for Pan Am Airways, where her French helped land her a coveted and glamorous position on the New York to Paris route. Connie’s early trips abroad led to a lifelong love of travel and foreign cultures.

It was in New York that she met Arthur Parker. They were married on August 12, 1961 and shared more than 60 years together before Arthur’s passing. The couple eventually settled in Barrington, Rhode Island, where they spent over half a century raising their three children, forming deep friendships, and building a warm and enduring community around them.

Connie was an award-winning French teacher at Moses Brown School for many years, inspiring students with her gentle manner, her love of language, and her commitment to learning. Connie was an extraordinarily accomplished pianist and performed in countless community productions over the years. She treated all lucky enough to hear her when she’d play at friends’ dinners, parties and, of course, Christmas gatherings. Her carol sing-alongs were legendary and continued right up through December, 2024. A courageous and curious traveler, she ventured to all seven continents, returning home with stories that reflected her joy, wonder, and deep appreciation for the world and different cultures.

Connie’s favorite activities for the last 30 years were family trips and spending time with her eight grandchildren: Sophia, Matthew, Victoria, Nicholas, Colby, Tyler, Parker and Mason. She led them on journeys abroad with cultural activities taking a front seat. She created special Grammy sessions in her garden, in Westport, in Rangeley and in Washington, Conn. She taught them piano and opened their minds to other perspectives and cultures. She tirelessly supported them in their activities, scolded them when they needed scolding, and comforted and loved them always.

Connie embraced life with openness, elegance, and grace. Her friends, former colleagues, students and even acquaintances were touched by Connie’s beautiful and inquiring mind. In addition to her grandchildren, she is survived by her three children, their respective spouses, Marcela Parker, Dan Beliveau and Marc Roman. She is also survived by her sister Jan Behrhorst.

A memorial service will be held on Tuesday, November 25th at 11:00 at St. John’s Episcopal Church in Barrington. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Alzheimer’s Association.