Obituary of Gretchen Ann Parker

On March 21,2015. Gretchen Ann Parker passed away, at home, in the presence of her husband and three daughters. The cause of death was an aggressive brain tumor. Gretchen was born on June 15, 1941, in Dunkirk, Indiana, the first offspring of Tom and Genevieve Stragand. Two siblings soon followed, Tom Stragand Jr., and Sally Stragand. When Gretchen was the age of twelve, the family relocated to Venice, California. Gretchen became involved at Venice Baptist Church, excelled as an honor student, honed her musical talents, and, as a senior at Venice High School, was proclaimed Girl of the Year. Gretchen's goal of becoming a nurse was derailed when her future husband, Richard Parker, surfaced. They were married on March 24th, 1961, at Venice Baptist Church. Their union resulted in the births of three wonderful daughters, Karen, Wendy, and Kathryn. On September 25,1970, the young family moved to Simi Valley, California, in the midst of a huge brush fire. The family continued their prior commitments to church involvement, musical participation, and succeeding in school activities. Gretchen's career path was concentrated in church service. She served as a secretary, beginning at First Baptist Church of Simi Valley, and later at The Church At Rocky Peak. She served as a church pianist and organist, and sang and played at countless weddings and funerals. Gretchen had a passion for plants, primarily African violets, as well as many varieties of orchids. This love of flowers was, however, overshadowed by her love of her three grandchildren. Her husband described her as an incorrigible grandmother. Gretchen was preceded in death by her parents, Tom and Genevieve Stragand; son-in-law Michael Collins; and brother-in-law Jim Armstrong .She is survived by her husband, Richard Parker, daughters Karen Green (David), Dr. Wendy Parker, and Kathryn Collins; grandchildren Jacob Green, Mikaylee Collins, and Mackenzie Collins; siblings Tom Stragand Jr., and Sally Armstrong; and numerous cousins, nieces and nephews. A celebration of Gretchen's life will be observed on Friday, May 15th, at Cornerstone Church, 2080 Winifred Street, at l:00 p.M.