Mary Rita Parsons

MARY RITA BUTLER BINAU PARSONS March 23, 1926 ~ February 11, 2018 Mary Rita Butler Binau Parsons, age 91, of Vancouver, WA, passed away on February 11, 2018 in her sleep. She was surrounded by loved ones prior to her death. Mary was the youngest of seven children, born in St. Johns, Newfoundland Canada. At a young age, she worked in her father's fish and chip restaurant on the docks. Later in life, she worked retail, sold Avon products, and was a live-in nanny. In the early 1950's, Mary traveled to the USA with her sister Margaret and family and settled in Long Beach, California where she met her first husband, Harold Otto Binau. They had 1 son together. Sadly, she was widowed at a young age. In 1963, Mary was introduced to Charles Frederick Parsons, a widower who lived in the northwest with 7 young children. She opened her heart to join a very large family; they married on February 8, 1964 and had 2 more sons together. The family of 12 lived in a small farmhouse in the Pleasant Valley area. For over 43 years they raised animals, grew berries and a large garden together, before Charles passed away in 2006. With never a dull moment raising a large family, in her free time, Mary enjoyed her small Chihuahua dogs, traveling to California to see family, or watching Mother Angelica and EWTN on TV. Family beach trips were a highlight, along with the occasional trips to the local casino to play the slot machines. She was devout in her faith and enjoyed family gatherings. Mary is survived by her children, Kathryn (Jerry) Thompson, Mary E. Parsons, Ed (Raeann) Binau, Teresa (Dan) Willmschen, John (Joan) Parsons, James Parsons, Patricia (Dale) Hansen, Carolyn (Jim Jr) Palmer, Charlie (Christine) Parsons, Paul (Lisa) Parsons; 31 grandchildren; and 32 great-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her late husbands and one grandson. A Funeral Mass will be held at St. John the Evangelist Catholic Church at 8701 NE 119th Street, Vancouver, WA 98662 on Friday, February 16, 2018. Services will begin at 10:30 a.m. Rosary followed by Mass at 11:00 a,m,. In lieu of flowers, remembrance can be made to St. John the Evangelist Catholic Church or PeaceHealth Hospice Southwest. A special thanks also to Mariya Grizhinku and Little Prairie Adult Family Home for taking such good care of our mom for the past 2 years! Please sign her guest book at: www.columbian.com/obits.

Mary Rita Parsons

March 23, 1926 - February 11, 2018