Barbara Parry

Parry Barbara A. (nee Stemmer), beloved wife of the late Edward Parry, loving mother of Diane (Kevin) Parry Ashley and Donna Parry, grandmother of Amanda Ashley and Elizabeth (Drew) Philippo, sister of the late Edward Stemmer, sister-in-law of Lois Stemmer, Godmother of Kathy Robers, also survived by many nieces, nephews and cousins. Passed away on Monday, July 3, 2017, age 85. A University of Chicago graduate, Barbara earned a Masters degree in organic chemistry. She was a pioneer for women in sciences, working on rocket fuel development at GE in the 1950s. She was a champion for girls' Title IX rights in K-12 education. Mrs. Parry dedicated over 40 years to improving educational opportunities for children in Southwestern Ohio. During this time, she helped found, and served on, the Family and Children First Council. She was a member, Vice President, and President of the Finneytown Board of Education and the Hamilton County Educational Service Center. Mrs. Parry also served as a board member and legislative liaison for the Great Oaks Institute of Technology and Career Development. For more than 20 years, she was an active appointee to the National School Board Association's Federal Relations Network, in which she represented the interests of Ohio schools in Washington. Barbara's community leadership contributions began with the Girl Scouts in the 1970s as a Brownie troop leader, Area Chairman, and member of the Great Rivers Girl Scout board of directors. Her community service went beyond helping children, and included coordinating two volunteer sites for the AARP to provide free tax preparation for area senior citizens. Barbara has been recognized for her service to education, the development of young people , and community service by the Girl Scouts as a Cincinnati Woman of Distinction, by the Ohio School Boards Association as a Distinguished Board Member, and by the AARP Foundation as a Tax-Aid Fellow. Barbara's energetic contributions reflected her commitment to the total community, and her belief that everyone can make a difference. Visitation will be Tuesday, July 11th, 5 PM until 8 PM, at the Vitt, Stermer and Anderson Funeral Home, 3425 Harrison Ave. (Cheviot) and also Wednesday 10 AM until time of Mass at 11 AM at St. Vivian Church, 7600 Winton Rd. (Finneytown). Memorials may be made to the Barbara A. Parry Scholarship at the Great Oaks Education Foundation.

Barbara Parry

June 23, 1932 - July 3, 2017