Gertrude G. Parker

Portland- Gertrude G. Parker, 91, of Stevens Ave., died on Sunday, July 19, 2015 at Mercy Hospital in Portland following a brief illness. Gertrude was born in Staten Island, New York the daughter of the late Karl and Helene Kaeding Geiger and grew up in Montreal, Quebec. She graduated from Strathcona Academy in Quebec, Canada, received her BA in Health Administration and Physical Education from McGill University, a Masters Degree in Education and School Administration from Columbia University and her 2nd Masters in School Administration and Guidance from the University of Maine at Orono. After marrying David S. Parker Jr. she served as an Associate Professor in Education at the University of Maine at Machias, she then taught Phys. Ed for two years at Caribou High School before joining the staff at South Portland School system in 1964, working as a teacher and guidance counselor. Gertrude retired in 1984 as the Vice Principal of South Portland High School. She was an avid knitter and loved knitting baby caps and donating them to area hospitals for the new born babies. She loved to play bridge, was active with the Cumberland County Retired Teachers Association, the Literary Union, the women of the Woodfords Club, AARP, and served on the board of Trustees for the Eunice Frye Home for many years. She was a longtime member of St. Ansgar Lutheran Church in Portland. Gertrude was predeceased by her husband David S. Parker Jr. in 1994 and a sister Elsbeth Geiger. She is survived by two sons, Karl and his wife Judy Parker of Portland and Arthur Parker of Portland; a granddaughter, Margaret Parker of Portland. A memorial service will be held on Friday, July 24, 2015 at 1:00pm at St. Ansgar Lutheran Church, 515 Woodfords Street, Portland, Maine. Burial will be private. Arrangements are under the direction of the Conroy-Tully Crawford Funeral Home, 172 State Street, Portland, ME. To view Gertrudes memorial page or to share an online condolence, please visit www.ctcrawford.com Those who wish may make contributions in Gertrudes memory to: St. Ansgar Memorial Fund, 515 Woodfords Street, Portland, ME 04101