Muriel Bacheller Schulte Parker, of Manchester-by-the-Sea, Massachusetts, passed from this life to the next on August 15, 2024, at the age of one hundred. She was born in Newark, New Jersey, the daughter of Dr. Herbert Schulte and Adele Bacheller Schulte. Muriel was predeceased by her devoted husband, Robert Sanborn Parker, her sister, Nancy Schulte and daughter-in-law, Carolyn Parker.
Surviving are her sons Rev. David Parker of Springtown, Pennsylvania, Donald Parker and wife, Heather, of Hancock, Maine and Jeffrey Parker, and wife, Susan, of Manchester -by-the-Sea, Massachusetts.
Muriel leaves loving grandchildren: Johanna Kemmerer and husband, Forrest, and children Theodore, Benedict and Aletheia; Jonathan Parker and children Jaron and Levi; Dr. Laurel Parker and husband, Brian Juengst, and children Logan and Calla; Crystal Parker Maass and wife, Emily, and children Ruby and Chloë; Michael Parker and wife, Barbara, and children Eben and Hazel; Christopher Parker and wife, Nicole, and children Caleb and Benjamin; Brian Parker and wife, Rosaly, and children William, Alejandro and Caroline.
Muriel graduated from Wellesley College with a degree in Botany and worked doing bacteriological testing at Sheffield Farms and supervising Merck’s vitamin control group.
Muriel retired from that work and devoted her life to raising her three sons. She was a den mother, Sunday School teacher, member of many church committees and missions, amateur genealogist, seamstress, knitter, cook, gardener, canner, traveler, and champion Canasta player.
In 1981 Muriel and Robert moved to Bradford, Maine where she became the town’s librarian and president of Bradford Heritage: Museum and Historical Society, where she was instrumental in establishing the Museum. In 2015 Muriel moved to Manchester-by-the-Sea so Jeffrey and Susan could care for her.
Every child, grandchild, and great grandchild was present to celebrate Muriel’s 100th birthday in June! It was a grand celebration of thankfulness for her life of love and service.
A celebration of life will be held at First Parish Church Congregational on Sunday, September 1, 2024, at 2 pm,10 Central Street, Manchester-by-the-Sea, Massachusetts with a reception to follow in the church chapel.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to First Parish Church Congregational, P.O. Box 187 Manchester-by-the-Sea, Massachusetts, 01944.
