Mary Whalen Parker of Canajoharie, NY died Thursday, March 24, 2011 at Ellis Hospital in Schenectady, NY. She was 89.

She was born January 29, 1922 in Canajohaire, the daughter of Joseph and Ellen Tunnicliff Whalen.

She married William Henry Parker Jr. on April 11, 1944 in Canojaharie.

Mary graduated from Ithaca College in 1943 with a B.S. in education. She was a physical education teacher in schools in Eldred, NY and Minneola, LI as well as Canojaharie. She later became a noontime aide for Canojaharie schools.

She was a communicant of St. Peter & Paul’s Church (now Our Lady of Hope Catholic Church) and a member of the Altar Rosary Society at the church. She was also a member of the Canojaharie Volunteer Fire Department Ladies Auxiliary and the Smith-Schultz American Legion Ladies Auxiliary Post #222. She enjoyed golfing, knitting, crossword puzzles and cooking.

She is predeceased by her son, Gary W. Parker.

She is survived by her husband; daughters Sandra E. and Susan M. Parker, both of Canojaharie; sons Randall Parker and wife Diane of Saratoga Springs, NY and Michael Parker and wife Debbie of Akron, OH; daughter-in-law June Parker of Canojaharie; grandchildren Mathew Parker, Erika Parker, Michelle Raymond and husband Scott, Heather Parker and Jeffery Parker; and several nieces, nephews and cousins.

A Mass of Christian Burial was celebrated on March 29 at our Lady of Hope Catholic Church, Fort Plain, NY. Burial will be at St. Peter & Paul’s cemetery.

Donations may be directed to Ithaca College, c/o Elayne Nichoas, Alumni Hall, 953 Danby Rd., Ithaca, NY 14850.