Mary Olivia Handy Parker, Trinity University Trustee Emerita, died on June 19. She was 96.
Mary served as assistant dean of women at the University of Maryland preceding her marriage to Harry J. Parker II in 1955. She then moved to San Antonio and soon thereafter became busy with three children and church and community activities.
In 1978, Harry Parker died suddenly, and Mary became involved in the Parker family oil business with great support from her brothers-in-law. Representing the Parker family, Mary joined the Trinity University Board of Trustees in 1991, serving the institution as a Trustee until 1997. She was a steward of Margarite B. Parker Chapel, and along with Harry’s brothers, she helped establish the Harry J. Parker II Scholarship, an award for rising sophomores who have displayed strong influence, character, and qualities of leadership in participating in the Trinity tradition of Christian education. For decades she met yearly with the recipients of this award to hear about their journeys and offer them encouragement in prayer. A consummate host, Mary hosted the inauguration luncheon for President Ron Calgaard in 1980.
In addition to her service on Trinity’s Board, Mary also became a member of and served on several boards: The Ecumenical Center for Religion and Health, Princeton University Chapel Advisory Board, and the Anglican Fellowship of Prayer Board. At Christ Episcopal Church, she served on the Vestry under three rectors and was strongly involved in the Pastoral Care Ministry of Community of Hope, hospital visitation, and other activities in the community. She was a member of the Junior League, the Military Civilian Club, Timely Topics, and The Forum.
Mary was born January 10, 1927, at Ft. Leavenworth in Kansas. As the daughter of an army officer, she lived in many different places. She received her undergraduate degree from Vassar College and graduate degrees from the University of Texas, Austin, and the University of Heidelberg, Germany.
She was preceded in death by her husband, Harry J. Parker II, by her parents, General and Mrs. Thomas Troy Handy, and two half brothers, James Johnson and Ernest Johnson. She is survived by her son Harry J. Parker III and two daughters, Mary Alma Parker and Josephine Selye Parker, as well as numerous grandchildren and great-grandchildren.
A private interment took place at the family plot at Mission Burial Park South. A memorial service is scheduled for Thursday, July 13, at 11 a.m. at Christ Episcopal Church, 510 Belknap Place, San Antonio. In lieu of flowers, please consider a gift to the Harry J. Parker Memorial Fund at Christ Episcopal Church.
Read Mary Handy Parker’s full obituary on the Porter Loring website.
The above photo was taken at the inauguration luncheon for President Ron Calgaard, which Mary hosted.
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