Submitted by: Dan Rich

Alberta A. Parks

Sept. 6, 1914 - June 24, 2008

South Bend Tribune 6/26/2008
MISHAWAKA - Alberta A. "Bert Parks, 93, of Mishawaka, passed away Tuesday morning, June 24, 2008, in Hamilton Grove Communities, New Carlisle. Alberta was born September 6, 1914, in Oshkosh, Wisconsin, a daughter of the late John and Emma (Detert) Loewen. She moved with her family to Mishawaka at the age of two.

On June 8, 1937, Alberta married Harry Franklin Parks, and the couple made Mishawaka their home. Alberta was employed 28 years at J.C. Penney in South Bend. She was a 61-year member of St. Monica Catholic Church. Alberta belonged to the church's Rosary Society, Legion of Mary and did considerable volunteer work at the church. She enjoyed being a homemaker and was particularly known for her cookies and pies. Alberta also liked reading, working in her flower garden, and she dearly loved her cats. Alberta's surviving family includes two daughters, Carolyn (Bob) Gaby of New Carlisle and Judy (Ken) Holderman of Osceola; six grandchildren, Tony Gaby, Jackie (Ron) Briggs, Tamara (Chris) Nagy, Karl (Lisa) Holderman, Sandra Holderman and Michael (Michelle) Holderman; and seven great-grandchildren. Alberta was preceded in death by her husband, Harry, in 1982.

Friends may spend time with Alberta's family today (Thursday) from 3 to 7 p.m. in Thallemer, Goethals & Wells Funeral Home, 503 W. Third Street, Mishawaka, where the Rosary will be prayed at 4:30 p.m. Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated Friday at noon in St. Monica Catholic Church, 222 W. Mishawaka Ave., Mishawaka, with Rev. William Schooler officiating. Visitation will also be from 11 a.m. to noon Friday in the church. Following the Mass, burial will be at St. Joseph Valley Memorial Park, Granger. Memorials are suggested to the charity of one's choice.