Mary Emerson Parker

WELLS – Mary Emerson Parker, 88, of Wells, passed away Tuesday evening at Gosnell Memorial Hospice House following a brief illness, with her loving husband, Desmond, at her side.

Mary was born in Long Branch, N.J., the daughter of Haegel and Florris Kurtz Johnston. At the age of 11, she moved with her family to Litchfield, attending the Ricker School there and graduating from Gardner High School. She went on to graduate from University of Maine, Orono with a degree in Library Science.

Mary was employed for many years as a children’s librarian with the Lithgow Library in Augusta, retiring as its head children’s librarian.

On June 25, 1995, she married the Rev. Desmond Parker, and together they just celebrated 31 years of marriage.

She enjoyed her summer trips to camp at Empire Grove in Poland, and was active in Tres Dias, an Ecumenical Christian ministry where she served as leader of music, singing and playing guitar.

She was predeceased by her son, David Emerson; and her sister, Florris Blye, who passed away two weeks ago.

Survivors include her husband, Desmond Parker; sons Kenneth and Michael Emerson, a daughter, Catherine Patti; grandchildren Kira Emerson and William Emerson, grandson, Silva Emerson; a great-grandson, Alex Emerson; and a brother, Charles Johnston.

A memorial service will be held 2 p.m. Wednesday, July 8, at the Church on the Cape, Langsford Road, Cape Porpoise, with the Rev. Greg Smith officiating, assisted by the Rev. Linda Briggs.

To share a memory or leave a message of condolence, please visit Mary‘s Book of Memories Page at http://www.bibberfuneral.com.

Arrangements are in the care of Bibber Memorial Chapel, 67 Summer St., Kennebunk, ME 04043.

Should friends desire, memorial contributions may be made to Cystic Fibrosis Association at http://www.cff.org/Donate or to Multiple Scleroses Association msfocus.org/Donate.aspx, in Mary’s memory.