Jean Marie Parnell

Parnell, Jean Marie Age 82 passed away December 7, 2023. Jean Marie White was born on April 14, 1941 in Ilion New York to the late Raymond and Esther White. Jean was the beloved wife of Raymond E. Parnell for 62 years before his passing in January of 2023. She was the loving mother of Mary Jo, Gregory, Kimberly (Pete) Collins. She was a proud grandmother of Kerrigan and Kassidy. Cherished sister of James (Mary) White, Patrick White, and the late William White and Jeffrey (Donna, still living) White. Dear sister in-law of Arlene and the late Ralph Cole. Adored aunt of many nieces and nephews and beloved cousin to many. Jean Marie grew up in Herkimer, New York. She enjoyed living in a small town and especially looked forward to her summers in the Adirondack Mountains. Growing up she became an accomplished tap dancer and pianist. Summers were filled by spending time with friends and family on the beach and around campfires at Pine Lake. After graduating high school in 1958, Jean studied to be a medical transcriptionist. She met her husband Raymond in Herkimer and they were married in 1960. They relocated to Michigan together and eventually settled in the home they built in Berkley, Michigan in 1967 where they both were still living at the time of their deaths. Throughout her life Jean was committed to creating a wonderful home for Raymond and their children. She was a frequent volunteer at her children's school. Often, she took on the role of room mother, planning special activities. She also was a leader for the girls during their time as Girl Scouts. When her granddaughters came along, she enjoyed babysitting them. She loved watching old musicals, baking, singing and dancing with Kerrigan and Kassidy. Later in life she began working at Meijer in Royal Oak and was a bookkeeper there until she retired in the mid 1990s. After retirement, Jean and Ray spent time in Florida every winter but waited anxiously to return to New York for their spring and summers. They cherished their time at their home on Pine Lake in the southern Adirondack Mountains. She was a wonderful woman who will be missed by friends and family. Services for Jean will be held in Spring 2024 in Herkimer, New York. At that time, Jean and Ray's Urn will be buried at Calvary Cemetery overlooking her beloved Mohawk Valley. Memorials appreciated to the Parkinson's Foundation