Thody, Esther Frances (Parmelee)
Esther Frances (Fran) Parmelee Thody of Durham, died Wednesday, April 12th at Wadsworth Glen. Frances was born January 11, 1936 in Middletown. She was the daughter of the late Willis E. and Helen {Chiszewsky) Parmelee. She was one of the last Parmelees still living in Durham, one of the founding families of Durham. Fran grew up on the Lower Parmelee Dairy Farm on Route 17 in Durham. She had many fond memories growing up on the farm and being around her family and neighbors.
She graduated from the Durham High School as Valedictorian of her class in 1954 and received a scholarship from a Massachusetts College, but chose to remain near her family.
She is survived by her husband of 68 years, Robert E. Thody Sr. of Durham. Her four children; Robert, Jr. {Karin) of Durham, Charles (Sharon) of New Hampshire, Elizabeth of Durham, and Christina (Dan) of California. Her grandchildren: Dave (Mary) of Durham, Kim (Chris) of Durham, Tim (Hannah) of Vermont, Kara (Dom) of Vermont, Brandon (Courtney) of Vermont, Jonathan (Zipporah) of Missouri, and Michael and Sydney of California. Her great grandchildren: Kelsie, Riley, Magnus, Lena, Richard, Maximillian and Baby-to-be Hemming. She is survived by three sisters; Helen Peacos of Wallingford, Claire Parmelee of South Windsor and Wilma Svelnys of Manchester and many nieces, nephews and cousins.
She was an active member of the Church of Epiphany serving on the Vestry, as a Sunday School teacher and always helping with church events and fundraisers. Prior to her retirement she was employed at Cooper Thermometer, then the American Heart Association's office Middletown as their Office Manager, and then employed by the State of Connecticut at Vinal Regional Technical School working in the cafeteria for over 20 years until retirement. She enjoyed this job while working in the cafeteria serving the students and staff. For over 30 years, she traveled to Chelsea, VT to spend time at their second home that she and Bob owned and renovated. Many great memories were made there with her children, neighbors, and visiting family and friends. Fran enjoyed walking down to the local drugstore to get an ice cream cone (Chocolate/mint her favorite), attending the annual Chelsea Flea Market in July or going for walks around the town greens and local sites. Once retired, she and Bob traveled the U.S. with their RV going from Maine to Alaska while only missing two states (Michigan and Hawaii). They spent many years traveling to California, Utah and snowmobiling in Wyoming and Vermont.
She was a fabulous knitter and made many beautiful bed sized afghans. She taught her children and her daughter-in-law how to can the vegetables of their gardens. She taught her daughters the skills of crewel, embroidery, cross stitch and baking. She taught her family how important sit down Sunday dinners and homemade meals were. Every Sunday night was spent visiting with Gramma and Grampa Willie. Mom loved family gatherings be it at her own home, the Parmelee farm in Vermont, or with her family for Christmas, New Year's or Thanksgiving. She was very proud of her family farm, the Durham Fair, and her family.
A special thank you goes to the staff at Wadsworth Glen and Donna, her Hospice nurse.
Services: Friday, May 5th there will be calling hours 5-7 P.M., at Biega's Funeral Home, 3 Silver St., Middletown, CT and on Saturday, May 6th at 10 A.M., there will be a graveside service at Mica Hill Cemetery, Mica Hill Rd. Durham. Those who wish to make a memorial contribution in memory of Frances may send it to The Durham Fair Farm Museum Expansion Fund c/o The Durham Fair Foundation, P.O. Box 642, Durham, CT 06422.
To share memories or condolences online please visit www.biegafuneralhome.com
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