Sally L. Parker

PARKER, Sally L. Sally passed away on Friday, October 17, 2014. She was born in Aurora, Illinois on Halloween in 1934. Her parents, Carl and Helga Thomsen, had seven children of which Sally was the youngest. Sally was raised in Kalamazoo and attended Western Michigan University where she studied art. In 1953, Sally met her husband, Fred William Parker who was a Captain in the Air Force. Fred's commissions took them across the US and to Europe. Sally and Fred were divorced and Sally settled in Kalamazoo to raise her children. James River Corporation employed her as an executive secretary for 23 years. In her spare time, she enjoyed playing cards, bowling, golf and travel. Surviving Sally are her four children: Linda Parker of Kalamazoo, Diana Larry LaPiana of Chicago, IL, Janice Ray Carroll of Houston, TX and Greg Julie Parker of Kalamazoo; eight grandchildren: Josh, Aaron, Casey, Dru, Shae, Max, Lexi and Aubrey; four great-grandchildren: Justin, Ben, LIzelle and Aria; two sisters: Pat Therkildsen and Jeanette Buckhout and many nieces, nephews and dear friends. Visitation will be held on Monday, October 20th from 6-8 p.m. at Langeland Family Funeral Homes, Comstock Chapel, 6121 King Highway. A funeral service to celebrate Sally's life will be held on Tuesday, October 21st at 1:00 p.m. at Kalamazoo Covenant Church, 5708 East Main. Interment will follow in Comstock Cemetery. Memorial contributions may be directed to Janice Carroll 2046 Dryden, Houston, TX 77030.