Marilyn H. Parks

Marilyn H. Parks, 98, of Bethlehem departed this life on October 3 at Cedarbrook Fountain Hill. Born in Bethlehem, she was the daughter of the late Edwin C. and Florence (Walters) Fley. She was the loving wife of the late Albert R. Parks. Marilyn is survived by her son, Jeffrey A. Parks and his wife Susan of Bethlehem and grandson, Jonathan C. Parks and his partner Lisa Hokans, Pipersville. Born in Bethlehem, Marilyn graduated from Liberty High School in 1942. She worked as a secretary at Liberty High School, the Laros Silk Company and the Bethlehem Steel Corporation. At a USO dance in 1943 chaperoned by her mother, Marilyn met the love of her life, Albert, an Army corporal from Michigan who was in town to receive specialized munitions training at Bethlehem Steel. The couple was married in February 1944. In 1957 after the death of her father, Marilyn and Albert acquired Lehigh Stationery Company on Bethlehem's South Side. They moved the store to Broad and Main Street in 1966. After Albert's death in 1974, Marilyn sold the store. She continued to work in retail at Bixler's Jewelry on Main Street until her retirement. Marilyn enjoyed cooking and travel, both of which she shared with her family. She was with Jeffrey and the family on a trip to Europe in 1984 when they auditioned the first German bands for Musikfest. Marilyn volunteered for Musikfest, Christkindlmarkt and the Banana Factory Gift Shop. Marilyn was a founding member of Messiah Lutheran Church, now Light of Christ Lutheran Church. Services will be at the convenience of the family. Contributions in lieu of flowers may be sent to the Light of Christ Lutheran Church, 2020 Worthington Avenue, Bethlehem or to a charity of your choice. The family extends their gratitude to the kind, dedicated staff of Cedarbrook Fountain Hill for their care and support of Marilyn. Services have been entrusted to the Pearson Funeral Home, www.pearsonfh.com.