Marie Marguerite (Lambert) Parsons was born in Pasadena, California, on June 21, 1923, to John Yatman Lambert and Nancy Adele Fitz.  Both parents hailed from England, the Lambert's coming to America in the 1820's, and the Fitz's in 1635.   In 1890, as members of the Valley Hunt Club, her family was one of the founders of the Tournament of Roses Parade in Pasadena.  Her Grandfather being in real estate during the Great Depression made it possible for the family to enjoy summers at their cottage on Laguna Beach before losing most everything in the depression.  Those summers on Laguna Beach were some of Marie's fondest memories.  While growing up in California during the depression, she gained a sensibility to pinching pennies, and an appreciation for everything.  That sensibility and appreciation stayed with her throughout her life as she knew how quickly life can be turned upside down.

Marie's family has served proudly in the U.S. Military dating back to the American Revolution, the Civil War, WWI, WWII, Korea, and Vietnam.  She herself served as a Sergeant and later a Brevet Lieutenant in the U.S. Marine Corps from 1942 to 1945.  Both her brothers, Jack and Bob, served as pilots in the Army Air Corps, flying combat missions in the Pacific.  Her brother Jack gave his life during one of those missions.

After the War, she attended and graduated with a Bachelor's Degree from the University of Missouri.  There she met her future husband, Melvin Godfrey Parsons, Jr. "Chuck", and was married in 1949.  In 1950, she gave birth to her only son, Robert G. Parsons, II "Bob".  Shortly after the birth of her son, and with Chuck's mother and sisters in peril due to the absence of Chuck's father, Marie and Chuck took on the responsibility of supporting Chuck's mother and her three small daughters.  Marie was a remarkable woman with tremendous compassion and a huge giving heart.  She remained fiercely devoted to her family for the entirety of her life.

During their marriage, she and Chuck founded several small businesses including a laundromat, restaurant, and management consulting firm.  Additionally, she worked on staff at the University of Illinois, University of Iowa, University of Missouri, and the University of Michigan, as the family moved with her husband, Chuck, while he studied and taught at various universities.   Later in life, she also worked as an account auditor for the U.S. Navy.  Once retiring from the Federal Government, she worked for nearly 30 years, and until age 96, in her son, Bob's insurance business.  During her lifetime, Marie traveled to all the 50 United States numerous times, living in 9 of the States, as well as traveling on 4 continents.  Many of her summers, Marie, Chuck, and Bob spent traveling throughout America camping at some of the most notable locations.

Throughout her life she was a big believer in the importance of education and learning, and as such, was an avid reader and enjoyed watching the History Channel as well as various crime dramas.  Marie was a lifelong student of history and politics, and at times very active in her Political Party and the League of Women Voters.  Talking politics and social issues were some of her favorite topics, and one never had to guess what she was thinking.   Among her most enjoyable events were dining out with friends and family.  With an eclectic pallet, brunch buffets were definitely her thing as often the choices are endless.  She was also a fabulous cook.  Some of her specialties included Spinach Noches, Blueberry Coffee Cake, and Rum Cake.  Family and friends always looked forward to times when she prepared these and other delights.

Around the age of 90, the doctors started asking her about her diet, and what she attributed her long and healthy life to.  She would reply that she ate a big bowl of ice cream every night.  To which the doctors who were all amazed and would chuckle and say, "keep doing what you're doing – it's obviously working!"

Her grit and tenacity were unparalleled, coupled by her thoughtfulness and kindness made her a most unique person who was highly respected by all those who were fortunate to know her.  Her smile and positive nature were infectious.  Nothing could stop her or get in her way as she always found a way around an issue while at the same time improving the outcome.  She did not know how to give in or give up.  She was truly an amazingly person!

We have lost one of the great ones of the greatest generation in American history.  Our earthly loss is Heaven's gain!

Marie is survived by: her son, Bob (Judy) Parsons; niece, Anne Hanssen; great-niece, Pam (Dave) Long; and great-great-niece and nephew, Jackson & Selby Long; nephew, Rob (Barbara) Lambert; great-niece, Betsy (Shane) Totten and children; brother-in-law, Bob (Sharon) Parsons; sisters-in-law, Evelyn (Parsons) Mehler and Dorothy (Parsons) Mileham; and numerous nieces and nephews, great and great-great and great-great-great-nieces and nephews. She is also survived by: family-in-laws, Mary (Ken) Ottman, Beth (Steve) Dean, Anne (Al) Johnson and family, Emily (Chris) Stark and children, Amy (Jared) McDuffee, and Kenneth (Ali & Charlotte Rose) Ottman; dear college buddy, Marge Phelps; and long-time close friend, Debbie Hirth; as well as numerous other friends and acquaintances.

Funeral Liturgy will be celebrated at 11:00 AM, Wednesday, March 30, 2022, at St. James Catholic Church, 5149 Dowling Street, Montague, MI 49437, with Reverend Father Peter Omogo presiding.  Visitation will be held at the church, one hour prior to the service.

In lieu of flowers, Marie would want remembrances to be made to the Samuel Omogo Foundation for the creation of water wells and education in Nigeria, and the St. Julie's Catholic School in Uganda operated by the Sisters of Notre Dame in Park Hills, Kentucky.

Beacon Cremation & Funeral Service, White Lake Chapel, is in charge of arrangements.

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