Marie Antonella Parker, 63, of Londonderry, NH, passed away after a brief illness on Saturday, April 3, 2021, in the Neurological Intensive Care Unit of Massachusetts General Hospital in Boston, MA. She passed peacefully, surrounded by her loving family, who write this in honor of her kind and generous spirit and in celebration of her beautiful life.
Marie was born in Bibano, Italy on November 20, 1957, the oldest daughter of Peter and Caterina (Barro) DeNegri. Her family immigrated to America in May 1962 and settled in Oklahoma City, OK. Even at such a young age, Marie quickly learned English and selflessly assisted her family in navigating their new country’s language. She enjoyed a wonderful upbringing with friends and extended family in the area, and as a big sister to 3 brothers and a sister (who claim she never sinned once in her life). Marie excelled in school, attending John Carroll Catholic School in OKC, graduating from Mount Saint Mary’s High School in 1976, and earning her Bachelor of Science in Education from the University of Central Oklahoma in 1980. She went on to serve as an elementary school teacher for the Archdiocese of Oklahoma from 1980 – 1984 and in several other teaching capacities throughout her life.
July 16, 1983, Marie married Benjamin Edward Parker, who fondly refers to her as Antonella as her family had. They moved from OKC to Houston, TX with their firstborn daughter in 1985. There Marie focused on raising her growing family and taught 3rd grade in the Houston/Aldine School District for 3 years. In 1994, Marie and Ben moved to Londonderry, NH with their three daughters, and welcomed a son in 1995.
In Londonderry, while raising her children, Marie worked for the Londonderry School District as a substitute teacher and Kindergarten classroom assistant, all while completing her Masters Degree in Library Science from the University of Connecticut. In 2004, Marie was hired as librarian for North Londonderry Elementary School and worked in that capacity for 10 years.
Since her semi-retirement in 2014, Marie has not stopped serving her family and community. She has been an active volunteer at the Londonderry Town Library, her church parish St. Jude’s Catholic Church, the Manchester Food Bank, and more. Marie also had a lot of fun, including adventurous world travels with her husband, family, and friends. Best of all, she has also served as dearly adored “Nella” – grandmother to five young grandchildren.
Marie was devoted to her family and faith and will be greatly missed by all who crossed her path in life. In addition to her parents of Norman, OK, Marie is also survived by her beloved husband and best friend of 37 years, her son Benjamin J. Parker of Oklahoma City, three daughters, Katrina D. Parker and husband Ryan Neumann of Indianapolis, Anna M. Parker and husband Tim Hepworth of Bedford, NH, and Alexandra L. Rizzo and husband Joe of Florence, SC; her grandchildren Parker, Ruby, Lillian, Alfred James, Madelyn, and Baby Parker-Neumann due in July; her three brothers, Tony DeNegri and wife Gail, Robert DeNegri and wife Talita, and Gianni DeNegri; her cherished sister and dear friend Regina Rischard and husband John; eighteen nieces and nephews; as well as many close friends and colleagues.
Services for Marie will include a Mass of Christian Burial on Friday, April 9, 2021 at 10:00 am in St. Jude Parish, 435 Mammoth Rd., Londonderry, NH. (Due to COVID restrictions, the Mass will be celebrated in-person by the extended family and several friends; all others are welcomed and encouraged to attend the Mass virtually at stjudenh.com.) A public burial, open to all friends and family, will follow in the Pillsbury Cemetery on Hovey Rd. in Londonderry. (Due to NH guidelines, masks, minimized contact, and maintain social distancing are required.) The family is then welcoming and encouraging any friends and family to stop by an informal, outdoor reception to celebrate Marie at their home, 26 Anthony Dr., Londonderry, from 3 – 5 pm.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made in Marie’s memory to causes dear to her, such as the New Hampshire Food Bank, New Hampshire Down Syndrome Association, Alzheimer’s Association, or your local public school or library.