Esther Warren Parker

The family of Esther Warren Parker would like this to be a tribute, not simply an obituary, to one of the greatest generations in the history of America. Esther Warren Parker passed away on April 15, 2011 at Lafayette General Hospital. Born in La Messica, Honduras on May 11, 1918, her father died during the great flu epidemic and the family immigrated to New Orleans when she was 3 years old. Her generation endured unimaginable hardships, humble resources, gut wrenching uncertainty, massive and sudden displacement and death, that was the great depression and WWII. Although Esther's first husband, Roger Fontana, was killed at sea by German U Boat 506 in the Gulf of Mexico in May of 1942 less than 100 miles offshore from Houma, LA, she never lost her spirit of patriotism for America. She re-married a wonderful man Dr. Edwin Davis Parker, Sr. on May 31, 1944 who would precede her in death on August 12, 2002, but become the father of Esther's surviving sons Thomas Warren, Edwin Davis, Jr. and Robert Shane, Sr. Also surviving Esther are daughters-in- law, Peggy Choate and Cheryl Broussard Parker; grandchildren Mike, Shane and his fianc', Lauren Womack, Brandy and Dianna Parker Skinner and great grandsons Ryker Shane Parker and Griffen James Skinner. She sacrificed so much in her life for her family, working and engineering a family life while Edwin pursued his PhD then witnessing all of the sons obtaining advanced college degrees ' an accomplishment that she was particularly fond of, but one that she took much too little credit for having a hand in. She was slow to anger and her unselfishness was demonstrated by a generosity that was well beyond her means simply because she had a heart of gold. She was sensitive to a fault, but not without basis - shedding a tear for every U.S. soldier KIA in the many past conflicts she'd witnessed. She never interjected negative opinions of others, never interrupted others, was never rude to others and was always tolerant of others. She never judged others, but was quick to caution ' very quick to caution in private. Patient, but disgusted by the myriad injustices known by many who read this ' knowing that at some point, God will call in the markers. Esther retired from Lafayette General Hospital in 1983 and was recently a Hospice of Acadiana volunteer simply because she thought some day she might need such loving care'and did. The family expresses its sincerest appreciation for the competent medical attention and comfort offered by both institutions and suggests considering donations to Hospice of Acadiana in lieu of flowers. All who knew her remarked how sweet of a person she was ' truly remarkable given that she could have reflected on many reasons to be bitter. We all can learn so very much from such an exemplary heroin of this great generation. The surviving family also suggests that you thank a member of that generation for what they have accomplished before it is too late. Vaya con Dios, Granny. Funeral services will be held on Monday, April 18, 2011 at 2:00 pm in the Delhomme Chapel of the Flowers. Visitation will be held on Sunday from 3:00 pm until 9:00 pm and will continue on Monday from 10:00 am until the time of services at Delhomme Funeral Home of Lafayette. Interment will take place at Fountain Memorial Gardens. Pallbearers will be Mike Parker, Shane Parker, James Skinner, Selwyn Warren, III, Gene Benoit, and Robert Hicks. Honorary Pallbearers will be LC Melchior, Bill Lambert, and Shelby Mire. Personal condolences may be sent to the Parker family at www.delhommefuneralhome.com. Delhomme Funeral Home, 1011 Bertrand Drive, Lafayette, is in charge of funeral arrangements.

Esther Warren Parker

May 11, 1918 - April 15, 2011