EDITOR: Rae Parker was my friend, but she was more than that.
She was a treasure to the community of Morgan Hill. Her passing on
Sunday, April 4, this year was a great loss to all who knew
her.
EDITOR:
Rae Parker was my friend, but she was more than that. She was a treasure to the community of Morgan Hill. Her passing on Sunday, April 4, this year was a great loss to all who knew her. I first met Rae in the early spring of 1974. She was a well respected teacher at Walsh School, and I had the privilege of doing my student teaching in her 3rd grade class. We developed a strong bond that enriched my life in many ways.
Rae was a third-generation citizen of Morgan Hill. She was very knowledgeable in the history of Morgan Hill because she lived it. I heard many stories about the citizens and events of this community from her. She was a wealth of information. She was the middle daughter of Lloyd Skeels, chief of police in Morgan Hill, and Myrle Pinard Skeels, the owner and operator of the famous Orange Freeze. Those two occupations alone garnered many a “fireside” story.
She, along with her two sisters, Jean Pinard and Bobbie Ryan, grew up across from Live Oak High School, (now Britton Middle School) when life seemed easier and the pace was slower. She graduated eighth grade from Morgan Hill Elementary School and from Live Oak in 1948. I remember her telling me “war” stories about students going to World War II, instead of graduating, and of spotting for planes on Murphy’s Peak. She also graduated from San Jose State.
She married Spencer Parker, whose mother was the principal of Burnett School, and had five children: Jeff Parker, Jennifer Park Giffin, Stephanie Parker Olvera, Randy Parker and Robert Parker. To be able to stay home and take care of her children she started a day car in her home on the corner of Peak and Main. Many teachers left their children in Rae’s care while they followed the career she would eventually take.
Rae volunteered her time for the community in many ways, as well as extra duties and committees for the school district. She was very proud to be involved as a “Nixonette” during Richard Nixon’s early political career, and sang with the Morgan Hill Choraleers.
As a teacher and vice principal at Walsh School she had many responsibilities. She even worked as a part-time counselor at the Boy’s Ranch for 10 years.
Music was her passion, and any former student will tell you of the many songs she taught them as well as plays and musicals. I started with the district as a music teacher, and Rae and I always got very involved with the summer music and art program. She even taught piano lessons in her home.
After Rae retired, in 1991 she was on the Morgan Hill Historical Society Board. Ill health forced her to end that term. The last few years of Rae’s life were quiet compared to the busy life she had led.
When she died she had six grandchildren: Thomas (Robyn) Giffin and three great grandchildren, Hailey, Cassie and Tyler. There was also Nick Giffin, Sarah and Amy Parker, Melissa Parker and Holley Olvera. Visits from her family were always her greatest joy. Her home had an open door policy. Every party, no matter what the event, was always held at Rae’s.
Personally, I will never forget the helpful, generous, happy person I met in 1974. The years flew by Rae, thanks for the memories.
Gerry O’Day, Morgan Hill
