Marilyn W.B. Parker

Marilyn Lorraine Ware Brown Parker, formerly of Forest Hills, passed away on Wednesday, February 21, 2024, in St. Petersburg, FL. She was 97 years of age.

Marilyn, the first of three children, was born on February 20, 1927, to her loving parents, G. Seymour Ware and Ora Greene Ware, at Shadyside Hospital in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. As an infant she was baptized at the Church of the Holy Cross and continued her religious growth at Bethesda Presbyterian Church.

As a child, she developed a profound love of learning and completed her elementary and middle school education at Lincoln and Rodgers School. In 1945, after graduating from Westinghouse High School, she went on to earn her bachelor's and master's degrees in education from the University of Pittsburgh.

Marilyn was a dedicated and devoted mother to her three children Patricia Brown Stephens, Edward Parker, and Wayne Parker. They meant the world to her, and she would do anything for them. However, her kindness and generosity did not end with her family. She was affectionately called "Ma Parker" by countless children in the community. 

For nearly 30 years, Marilyn taught in Pittsburgh Public Schools. From kindergarteners to third graders, she left a remarkable impact on the young people in her care ensuring that they not only learned how to read and write but also how to be kind to others. The number of students and families that she assisted and who acknowledged the difference she made in their lives numbers in the thousands. She will be remembered for her heart and for the love she shared with everyone she encountered, especially the children she taught.

In 1984, Marilyn retired and spent her time doing what she loved most, eating ice cream, drinking Pepsi, and helping to care for her granddaughter, Alyia Gaskins. She also enjoyed ceramics, arts and crafts, and sewing clothes and Halloween costumes for her grandchildren, great nieces, and nephews. 

Marilyn was preceded in death by her father and mother. She is survived by her sister, Patsy Jayne Ware, and brother, Seymour Ware; her children Patricia Brown Stephens, Edward Parker, and Wayne Parker; her nephews and nieces, David Ware, Pandora Johnson and Harlan Ware; 7 grandchildren; 10 great nieces and nephews; and 7 great grandchildren. 

Her smile reflected her joyful spirit. She departed this earth peacefully with dignity, strength, and full of love for those who went before her and for those she leaves behind. She truly loved people--and if you knew her, you immediately felt it. She will be missed dearly.

A service to celebrate Marilyn's life will take place at Waverly Presbyterian Church, 590 S. Braddock Avenue, Pittsburgh PA 15221, at 11:00am on Saturday, March 23, 2024, with viewing beginning at 10:00am in the church. Following burial at Allegheny Cemetery, a celebratory reception and receiving of friends will take place at TRYP Hotel By Wyndham Lawrenceville, 177 40th St., Pittsburgh PA 15201. Please wear bright colors--no black. In lieu of flowers, the family requests those who wish to express sympathy consider donating to their favorite charity in Marilyn's name. 

Arrangements by Wolfe Memorial, LLC. Memories and condolences may be left at www.wolfepgh.com.
 

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