Josephine Madeline Parker

Josephine Madeline Parker, 89, passed away on March 1, 2011 in Provo, Utah. She was born September 26, 1922 in Seattle, Washington to Benjamin and Catherine (Piantini) Brenn, who immigrated from Mesocco, Switzerland. She grew up in Seattle, Washington attending Catholic schools and graduating from Lincoln High School. She married John I. Parker on May 31, 1942 in Seattle. He served in the U.S. Army Air Force during WWII.



John and Josephine settled in Kennewick Washington where they had four sons, John Jr., Van, Craig and Mark. Josephine worked for the telephone company, starting as a switchboard operator. She moved up the ranks to a senior position. She became an early advocate for working rights for women, bringing a suit against the company for wage discrimination as she earned less than men who held the same job. She won the case, which set an early precedence for women's rights.



In the late 70's, they moved to Huntington to be close to their sons and their families. They operated the theaters in Huntington for more than two decades. This is where she was residing at the time of her passing.



Josephine is survived by her eldest son John Ira, Jr. (Shana Le Parker) of Orem, who served as Emery County Commissioner for four years; son, Craig Allen of Huntington; 14 grandchildren; and 31 great-grandchildren. She is fondly remembered as "Grandma Jo".



She is preceded in death by her parents, Benjamin Brenn and Catherine Fasani Brenn; her sister, Mary McMeekin; her husband, John Sr.; her sons, Van Ellis (Betty Parker) and Mark; and her grandson, Forrest (Van & Betty).



Funeral services will be held March 9th at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, Lakeview Eighth Ward Chapel, 155 West 1600 South, Orem, Utah. A viewing will begin at 10:00 a.m., followed by the services at 11:00 a.m.