Deborah R. Perkins Parker

Rae Perkins Parker, age 64, of Mill Street, Freeville, NY passed away peacefully on Wednesday, June 26, 2013 at home, surrounded by her family. She was born October 11, 1948 in Ithaca, NY a daughter of the late DeWitt Ray “Toad” Perkins and Twyla Arlene Humphrey Perkins. Deb had a great love of horses growing up: riding, grooming, and talking to, cleaning the stalls and (having frozen horse turd fights.)

She graduated from Dryden High School in June 1966. On February 15, 1969 she married Edgar Clarence Parker.

Deb was a forty-year member of the Freeville Firemen’s Auxiliary. She was also a member of the Order of Eastern Star. She served as leader to Boy Scouts, Girl Scouts and was co-founder of the TCVC Volleyball club. Deb had been employed with National Cash Register, New York State Electric and Gas and then spent 21 years as an Administrative Assistant for Freeville Elementary, Dryden Elementary and the Dryden High School. She thoroughly enjoyed working with the staff, parents and especially the students. Deborah always enjoyed traveling, camping, antiquing, working in her flower beds as well as wine tours with family and friends. She also loved her pets, especially her dogs. Her favorite time of year was Thanksgiving and Christmas when she could spend time with all of her family there. The memories and experiences were wonderful.

Of all in her life, she loved her family most. She loved her children and their friends, but her pride and joy were her grandchildren. Deb is survived by her husband, Ed, who shared a lifetime of fun and good times, and her faithful, loving dog Annabelle. Both were always there, taking excellent care of her. Her children: Chad (Elizabeth Fuller) of Homer; Michael (Susan LeWorthy) of Freeville; Sherri (James) Smith of Groton; Lori (George) Hines of Freeville: grandchildren: Nathan, Anthony, Gregory and Stephanie Parker; Cheyenne, Cody, and Christie Smith; Alisa, Taylor, Zachary, Sara and Daniel Hines. She is also survived by brothers, Dave (Kathleen) and Ernest Perkins and sister, Amy Jo (Theodore) Canfield; sister-in-law, Sandra (Frank) Lilley and brother-in-law, Kenneth (Cynthia) Parker; step-sister, Lorraine (Ray) Osborne and step-brothers, Gary, Glenn and Raymond Stevens; step-mother Doris Perkins many nieces, nephews and cousins, and many extended family members. Deb was predeceased by her parents DeWitt “Toad” and Twyla Perkins and twin granddaughter’s Amanda Lynn and Kaitlyn Twyla Parker.

Funeral services will be held at 10:00 am Tuesday, July 2, 2013 at Perkins Funeral Home, 55 W. Main St., Dryden, NY with Rev. David C. Robinson officiating. Friends may call on Monday, July 1, 2013 from 4-8 pm at the funeral home. Burial will be private in Willow Glen Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, the family requests contributions to Cancer Resource Center of the Finger Lakes, 612 W. State St., Ithaca, NY 14850 or United Cerebral Palsey, 80 Maiden Lane, 8th floor, New York, NY 10038 or Dryden Veteran’s Memorial Home Emergency Fund, 2272 Dryden Rd., Dryden, NY 13053 or Hospicare and Palliative Care Services, 172 E. King Rd., Ithaca, NY 14850.

“After a difficult journey with Cancer I would like to thank all the wonderful people in the medical fields at Cayuga Medical Center. The entire staff at Dr. Garbo’s office and all the staff in the Infusion Suite that always gave me the time that I needed. You are all very special people, a family when really needed. Also a special thank you to Bonnie at Imaging and the radiologist.” – Deborah Parker

Deborah Rae Perkins Parker, age 64, of Mill Street, Freeville, NY passed away peacefully on Wednesday, June 26, 2013 at home, surrounded by her family. She was born October 11, 1948 in Ithaca, NY a daughter of the late DeWitt Ray “Toad” Perkins and Twyla Arlene Humphrey Perkins. Deb had a great love of horses growing up: riding, grooming, and talking to, cleaning the stalls and (having frozen horse turd fights.)