Julie Parr

On April 25, 2023, our beautiful mother Julie Parr passed away peacefully surrounded by her loving children Mary Kalec (George), Elizabeth Thomas-Bailey, Jim Thomas (Barb) Ann Thomas-MacDonald (Bill) and Paul Thomas (Amy). Julie was preceded in death by her infant son, Tommy, her parents, and her husband Ed. 

Julie grew up an only child to wonderful parents Paul and Mary (Normile) Jarvis. They resided in Grandview when Julie was young and then moved to New Philadelphia when she was in 9th grade.  Julie graduated from New Philadelphia High School and received a B.F.A. from Ohio University, though at heart she was and always will be a Buckeye. 

Julie raised her children in New Philadelphia with her first husband Jim Thomas. They were great parents. In addition to being an amazing mom, Julie was involved as a Girl Scout leader, a Day Camp Director, Union Hospital Auxiliary, a teacher’s aide at East Elementary, a St Patrick’s Day Parade Chairperson, a member of College Club of Tuscarawas County, involved with The Little Theatre, and participated in many charity drives. Throughout her life, she continued to give to charities and was very generous in supporting others in their efforts to make the word a better place. 

In 1992, Julie married a great man, Ed Parr. They spent 21 wonderful years living on Leesville Lake. It’s also where “Grammy CAMP” (Cousins Are My Pals) got its start. Grammy (or Drammy as known to Kelsey) had various CAMP themes and all thirteen grandchildren—Kelsey (Jace), Heather, Margo, George, Eleanor, Paul, David, Julianne, Parker, Zack, Matthew, Stephanie, and Miles—list CAMP as one of their best childhood memories. Julie also had six beautiful great-grandchildren (Mia, Quinn, Bridget, Harlow, Rory, and Barrett). Additionally, she gained some awesome stepchildren in Patty, Lori (Rich) and Rick (Deborah) and step-grandchildren Christopher (Alex), Jon (Val), Andy, Amy (Brian), Kim, Timothy, Zack, Matthew (Brandi), and Steven and seventeen step-great-grandchildren. 

Julie last resided in Columbus Ohio living independently at an incredible senior living community called Westerwood. She was very active and made many dear friends. We are grateful for the time she had there and appreciate the caring staff. 

Julie (Mom/Grammy/Drammy) had an extraordinary ending to an amazing life.   She spent her last precious breaths telling her five children, three stepchildren, their spouses, twenty-two grandchildren and nineteen great grandchildren how much she loved them and how proud she was of them. At 85, she was still sharp as a tack and shared specific details of each person’s lives, making them all feel special. She had a way of doing that with everyone she met. Witnessing her family share memories and appreciations with her in her last days was a beautiful thing. What a gift. 

When asked recently if she had any advice, Julie said, “Always be kind and helpful and support each other.”  These were qualities that she exhibited daily.  She also said, “I love you all. It’s been grand sharing your lives with me. I’m so proud of all my children, grandchildren and of course my great grandchildren.” We have all cherished our time with her and will miss her immensely. 
 
Fiercely proud of her Irish heritage, we will be honoring mom’s request with an Irish wake on June 3rd 6:00 pm at the Reese Center at The Ohio State University at Newark, 1179 University Dr., Newark Ohio 43055. Casual Buckeye attire encouraged. 

Much appreciation to The James Cancer Center and Hospice of Central Ohio for providing comfort and loving care for our mom in her last days. 

Julie has requested donations go to The Leukemia and Lymphoma Society Team in Training program (The Sisters Team)  https://bit.ly/3Lg6zv9

Send checks to:
Leukemia and Lymphoma Society
Ohio River Valley Region
Southeast Territory
P.O. 22443
New York, NY  10087-2443
*Memo Line: “TNT The Sisters”