Elizabeth Parsons

Elizabeth A. “Bethann” Parsons, 80, of Mechanicsburg, passed away on Friday, September 27, 2013.  She was born on November 4, 1932 in Philadelphia, PA, to the late Walter Cardwell and Elizabeth Mary Kelly Painter, and was the widow of Richard D. Parsons who passed away June 4, 2007.

A descendent of the prominent Painter and Vickers families of Chester County, PA, Bethann attended the Charles E. Ellis School for Girls in Newtown, PA and then graduated from Mechanicsburg HS, Class of 1950. She was a member of St. Luke’s Episcopal Church, serving as a member of the Vestry and was the first woman to hold the position of Sr. Warden in the church. Bethann was a member of the Harrisburg Garden Club and served as president; she also was a certified Water Safety Instructor for the American Red Cross, volunteering many hours teaching swimming lessons at the Memorial Park Swimming Pool in Mechanicsburg. Bethann retired in 1999 as the office manager from Dorko, Adams & Janson Associates.  Outgoing and spirited, Bethann was known for her quick wit, straight forward manner and mischievous sense of humor. Loving and caring, she gave unconditionally to her family and friends.

Bethann is survived by her two sons, Richard Marc Parsons (Michelle) of Mechanicsburg and Michael K. Parsons (Danielle) of New Cumberland and her daughter, Elizabeth Annette Parsons of Mechanicsburg. Also surviving are four grandchildren: Heather, Brittany, Brendan and RaeAnn Parsons; a niece, Donna Nichols of Greensburg, PA;  a nephew, Walter Cardwell Painter of Valley Village, CA; several other nieces and nephews; and sister-in-law, Shirley McGinn of Silver Spring, MD.  She was predeceased by three siblings: Walter Cardwell Painter, Francis James, and Maryon Elizabeth Bennett.

Services will be held at St. Luke’s Episcopal Church, 8 E. Keller St., Mechanicsburg, Pa 17055 on Saturday, October 5, 2013 at 3:00 PM with The Rev. Canon Calvin Van Kirk Hoyt as celebrant. Interment will be in the church’s columbarium.

Memorial contributions may be made to her church. Arrangements are being handled by the Hollinger Funeral Home & Crematory, 501 N. Baltimore Ave., Mt. Holly Springs, PA 17065. Online condolences may be made to www.hollingerfuneralhome.com.