Jo Ellen Parker

TEMPLETON – Jo Ellen (Divoll) Parker, 63, of 67 Norcross Hill Road, died peacefully Monday, June 7, 2021 at her residence, with her husband at her side.

She was born in Gardner on June 25, 1957, daughter of the late Francis and Dorothy (Johnson) Divoll.  She was a graduate of Narragansett Regional High School, a graduate with an Associates Degree of Science from Greenfield Community College, she earned her Bachelor of Science Degree in Education from Southern New Hampshire University, she also earned her Master’s Degree in Education from the University of New Hampshire. She lived in Bristol, NH for many years until moving back to Baldwinville.

Jo Ellen was an educator, who began her career as a special education teacher in NH and then became principal, assistant superintendent and later Superintendent of Schools of Franklin, NH until her retirement. She was also an adjunct professor at Granite State college for ten years. She was the head deacon of her church and she headed up the amesmore guild as well. She was an avid gardener and loved taking photos of the beautiful flowers that surrounded her. Mostly though she loved and embraced her family, and she looked forward to the yearly gatherings whether they were at her sister’s pool in the summer or the winter gatherings on Norcross Hill. She loved watching and listening to the wildlife from her gazebo, sitting and enjoying life with her faithful dogs, Luna and Ranger. As it became clear that cancer was going to win, she embraced life even more. She recounted the joys of a simple and well lived life. For all of us who will miss her dearly, always remember to smile when you are thinking of her and never fail to stop and smell the roses.

She leaves her husband of six years, Philip Parker; three stepsons; Garrison Parker and his wife Cassandra and their daughter Elianna Michelle Parker of Goffstown, NH, Chandler Parker and Bryce Parker of Baldwiville, MA; two brothers, Rocky Divoll and his wife Sandy of Peru, NY and Michael Divoll of Franklin, MA; two sisters, Beth Ferguson of Franklin, MA and Amy Shepherd and her husband Paul of Putnam, CT, and two sister-in-laws Peggy Parker Greenman of Maryland and Eng Parker of Texas, plus several nieces and nephews.

A celebration of Jo Ellen’s life will be held on Saturday, September 25th at 11AM at the Memorial Congregational Church, Baldwinville.

Memorial donations may be made to a charity of one’s choice.

Stone-Ladeau Funeral Home, 343 Central Street, Winchendon is directing arrangements.

www.stone-ladeau.com