Former Claremont resident Mary Ann (Kirkpatrick) Parker died at home in Grand Rapids, Michigan on June 21, 2012 after an extended illness. She was 83.

Born in Los Angeles to James and Shirley Kirkpatrick, Ms. Parker lived most of her life in southern California before moving to Grand Rapids in 1998. She married John F. Parker.

Ms. Parker earned a bachelor’s degree in history and a master’s degree in education from Immaculate Heart College in Los Angeles.

She taught English, history and Latin at several high schools in greater Los Angeles.  Family expressed that she was a devoted wife, mother, grandmother and friend.

Ms. Parker is survived by her husband, John Parker; her daughter, Kathleen Parker of San Leandro; her son, John Parker and his wife Elizabeth of Ada, Michigan; and her 4 grandchildren, Stephanie Ahlstrand and her husband David of Huntington Beach, Michael Johnson and his wife Vanessa of Covina, Madeline Parker of Ada, Michigan and Jack Parker, also of Ada.

A mass will be held at 10:30 a.m. on Tuesday, June 26, 2012 at St. Robert of Newminster Parish in Ada, Michigan. The family will greet guests on Monday at the Metcalf & Jonkhoff Funeral Home in Grand Rapids from 2 to 4 p.m. and 6 to 8 p.m.  

Memorial contributions may be made to Spectrum Health Hospice.