Obituary of Helen Parker

Helen (Hren) Parker, age 79, of Newport passed away on Saturday, May 3, 2014 at Mercy Memorial Hospital surrounded by her loving family. Friends may gather from 2:00-8:00pm, Tuesday, May 6, 2014 at Merkle Funeral Service, 2442 North Monroe Street (734) 384-5185. She will lie in state from 10:30am until a Celebration of Her Life at 11:00am on Wednesday, May 7 also at Merkle's with Pastor Evans Bentley of St. Paul's United Methodist Church officiating. Private burial will follow at Roselawn. Helen Hren was born on September 2, 1934 in Weirton, West Virginia. She was one of four children born to the late John and Anna (Gildy) Hren. Helen was educated at Weir High School, and worked for Colliers Steel during WWII. She married Gerald "Jerry" Parker on October 22, 1961, with whom she had two children. In 1970, the Helen and her family moved to Newport, Michigan, where she made her home for 44 years. For many years, she helped to support her family working at Flat Rock Lanes, before retiring in 1985. Helen was a homemaker and continually put the needs of others first. She could be strong-willed, but was always loving, caring, and nurturing. She was a fabulous cook and her family enjoyed Slovakian desserts and dishes. Helen was an avid bowler, she participated in many leagues with her husband, daughters, and niece. She also enjoyed flower gardening, bingo and was fond of watching old movies on television. Helen was a member of First United Methodist Church in Flat Rock. In addition to her parents, her passing was preceded by her loving husband of forty-eight years, Gerald "Jerry" Parker on November 19, 2009; a brother, Nicholas "John" Hren; and two sisters, Margaret Layfield and Mary A. Hamilton-Williamson. To cherish her memories, Helen is survived by family members: daughter, Terry and son-in-law Howard Lajiness of Newport; daughter Penny and son-in-law Norman Haines of Carleton; grandchildren Dan and Michelle Lajiness; niece, Susan Smith and her husband, Max; great-nephew Patrick Flynn, his wife Yvonne, and their son Patrick, Jr. She also leaves behind several nieces, nephews, great-nieces, and great-nephews. Memorials are suggested to the American Cancer Society, American Red Cross, or the charity of donor's choice. Online guests may leave words of inspiration and comfort, share a photo, or make a donation by visiting www.merklefs.com; Online Tributes page.