Ann Parker

Ann Parker, beloved mother and grandmother, as well as great friend and colleague to many, passed away peacefully on June 16, 2024, in Barrington. She was 86.

She was born Ann Elizabeth Ehrlich, on July 28, 1937, in Chicago, to Victor and Grace Ehrlich. She was raised in Chicago and graduated from Bowen High School, class of ’55. She attended University of Illinois, was a member of Delta Gamma Sorority, and graduated in ‘59. She eventually earned a Master’s Degree in Education.

With the exception of some years at home with her three children, Ann was a lifelong high school teacher, teaching English and French (which she spoke and wrote exceptionally well). Her jobs were in Rantoul and Chicago, and she spent most of her teaching career at Lake Zurich High School. 

In her freshman year at U of I, she met her husband, Terry Parker, and eventually they married shortly after both graduated in ’59. With stops in Berwyn, Park Forest, Waukesha (WI), and finally Barrington in 1976, Terry and Ann raised three children, Joanne (Doug Knox), Michael (Ellen), and James (Lisa). The family spent many summers on Fishers Lake (MI). 

Ann was a talented artist, with paintings periodically on display for shows, galleries and other locations in Barrington and other places. She was also an avid reader, with many books around her all the time, and she enjoyed a good book club. She loved to go to the movies, and she also really enjoyed live theater and musicals. Ann and Terry were frequent attendees at the Elgin Symphony. 

Ann and Terry were fortunate to become travelers, with all continents touched except Australia, and with some US trips involving all their kids and grandkids to Disney and Illini Bowl Games. She loved golf and tennis the most, but could be seen throughout her years trying (and usually succeeding at) other activities, such as softball, bowling, ping-pong, water-skiing, bridge, and mahjong. 

In addition to her three adult kids, Ann has been a devoted and loving grandma to 10 grandchildren, Mitchell (Lauren), Elizabeth (Jake Milchesky), David, Thomas, Daniel, Joseph, Rebecca, Allison, Maria and Samuel. She has been a long time member of St. Michael’s Episcopal Church. She has had many lifetime devoted friends and teaching colleagues, fellow painters, and new friends from the Garlands. 

All will remember, and have been touched by, Ann’s laughter; a measured, reassuring voice coming from a thoughtful, intelligent, opinionated, learned and compassionate mind and soul; and a playful, comforting, easy going yet strong willed, “sassy” spirit and presence. You were happier, more knowledgeable, and feeling more fortunate if you spent some time with Ann. She’ll be missed by all who crossed paths with her throughout her days.

Ann has requested that attendees to her services wear Bright colors, and that they be prepared to tell a joke. In lieu of flowers, the family has requested that donations be made to Smile Train at smiletrain.org and/or Journey Care at journeycare.org/donate.

Visitation will be held Thursday, June 27, from 4-8 p.m. at St. Michael’s Episcopal Church, 647 Dundee Ave., Barrington, IL 60010. The funeral service will be held the following day, Friday, June 28, 11:00 a.m. at the church. Interment will be private.