Mary (Chase) Parker

DOVER PLAINS - Mary Chase Parker, 88, passed away on July 31st, 2025, surrounded by her loving family. She was born on Christmas Day, December 25, 1936. Mary was married to the love of her life, Joseph R. Parker, for more than 65 years.

        In addition to her loving husband, she is survived by her four devoted children: Joseph G., Heather, Scott, and Tara; four grandchildren: Joseph M., Nicole, Brianna, and Nikki; and two great grandchildren, Olivia and Joseph N. Parker; niece and nephew Deborah and Sterling Chase; cousin/honorary son Daren Dorm; several step-grandchildren, step-first and second great grandchildren; as well as many relatives and dear friends. She is predeceased by her loving parents, grandmother, and brother: John Sterling Chase, Mary Katherine Chase, Laura Hughes, and John Sterling Chase II.

        Mary received her bachelor’s degree in education from Bowie State Teacher’s College in Maryland. She completed graduate courses at Columbia University and other higher education institutions. A lifetime member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc., she was dedicated to education and social justice throughout her life. As a teacher and an administrator, she advocated for children with disabilities and people who were discriminated against in the workplace. After a long career, Mary retired from the Wassaic Developmental Center. She remained active in the community for many years, volunteering on the boards of the New York State Division for Youth (DFY), Mid-Hudson Historical Society, and the United Way. She also volunteered for St. Joseph’s Church in Millbrook at Uncle Al’s Thrift Shop and she especially enjoyed singing in the choir. Her ardent love of tennis led her to play in several local parks, tennis clubs, and regional tournaments, where she also served as captain of her team. Mary found her greatest joy spending time with her family. She shared her love freely and without condition, bringing warmth and laughter to every family gathering, no matter how large or small.

Our love for her endures “until the 12th of never.”

        A Celebration of Life and Memorial Mass will be held at Our Lady Seat of Wisdom Chapel at Marist University in Poughkeepsie, NY., August 30 at 11:00 a.m.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to the Joseph R. and Mary C. Parker Scholarship at mari.st/parkerscholarship.

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Mary (Chase) Parker, please visit our floral store.