JULY 12, 1927 - JANUARY 11, 2016
Mary Brekke Parran, age 88, born Mary Jane Brekke in Warren MN., to Edward A. Brekke and Katherine Edith Sinclair, died January 11, 2016 at her home in Breckenridge Village, Willoughby, Ohio. She was surrounded by her devoted family; her husband of 63 years, Theodore V. Parran; children Edith Parran Kuhn, (James W Kuhn), Theodore V. Parran, Jr., (Laura Bastulli), Sarah Parran, (Susan Gregg), and Michael B. Parran. Mary was blessed with six grandchildren; Sarah E. Ridenour (Cory), Bethany P. Kloss (Sean), Allison G. Kuhn (affianced to Dennis McAnerney), Theodore V. Parran III (Adriana Benavides), Krista K. Parran, and Thomas A. Parran. Mary is survived by her sister-in-law, Elizabeth Brekke and several nieces and nephews. Mary was preceded in death by her parents, her brothers John and Charles, and his wife Mary Jean Brekke.
Mary’s formative years were spent in Argyle, MN. She then attended the University of Minnesota, received her nursing degree from Johns Hopkins University. After marriage and 4 children, Mary completed her graduate education at Ursuline College and Western Reserve University, with a master’s degree in education. She loved every minute of her various careers, first as a public health nurse with the VNA, then as a high school counselor, teacher, family therapist and addiction counselor.
Mary’s life was dedicated to service to others, commitment to liberal causes, and to her family and friends around the country and world. She had the remarkable ability to create a special bond with every person she met. Her love, enthusiasm, and compassion will continue to enrich the lives of all who knew her.
A celebration of Mary’s life will be held on Saturday, February 6th, 2016, at 2:00 P.M., at St. Paul’s Episcopal Church, 2747 Fairmount Blvd., Cleveland Heights, Ohio, 44106. A reception will be held in Tucker Hall at St. Paul’s immediately following the service.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Crossroads Hospice Charitable Foundation, 9775 Rockside Road, Suite 270, Valley View, Ohio, 44125, or the Visiting Nurse Association of Ohio, 2500 E. 22nd St., Cleveland, Ohio, 44115.