Katherine Elsa Parker

Katherine went home to be with the Lord May 9, 2018. She was a beloved wife, mother, grandmother, teacher, friend, and gardener. Born June 27, 1935 to Emmy and Hans Hempler. Katherine lived a full life growing up in Bellingham, daughter of German immigrants. She embodied a strong faith in Christ, loving people, family and nature, having a strong work ethic. All of these guided her many endeavors. After graduating from Bellingham H.S., she went on to earn a degree from the University of Washington in Home Economics and Teaching. She was a member of the Alpha Xi Delta sorority. She met Dale while attending University Presbyterian Church. Katherine took on her role as mother full of love and attention to detail, always involved. She was ever supportive of Dale’s baseball career and made a second home at the baseball camp in Oliver, BC. As a grandmother, (Oma), she loved each grandchild for their own personalities, supporting each in their endeavors. She enjoyed traveling to Germany to visit relatives and with Dale for baseball. Her teaching career began again in the Edmonds School District settling at Woodway HS where she taught Home Ec., and was ASB activities advisor, being instrumental in the Edmonds-Woodway merger. Kathy was inducted into the Washington Activities Advisor Hall of Fame. As a Master Gardener, she loved sharing her love of plants. Serving as Deacon at UPC was another joy sharing her love of God with others. Katherine is survived by her husband of 58 years, Dale, her 3 daughters Melissa, Jennifer (Nick), Laura Beth (John), 6 grandchildren Emilie (Dan), Hannah, Tim, Alex, Sarah, and Jack and her beloved brother Richard Hempler. Always serving, loving, and caring, you will be missed by many. Memorial service will be held at Maplewood Presbyterian church in Edmonds on June 2, 2018 at 1pm. She will be interned at Edmonds Memorial Cemetery during a private ceremony. Memorials to go to the Katherine Parker Scholarship ED-WDY retired teachers Association, UPC Deacon fund, and Master Gardeners of Snohomish Co.