1954
Ann
2023
Ann L. Parkinson
January 23, 1954 — September 12, 2023
HOLDEN -- Ann L. Parkinson, a remarkable woman, loving wife, mother, and grandmother, passed away unexpectedly from heart related issues on September 12, 2023, at UMass Memorial Hospital. She was 69. Born in Clinton and raised in Sterling, Annie was the daughter of Eugene and Ruth (Stuart) Parkinson and lived the last 44 years in Holden.
Annie graduated from Wachusett Regional High School in 1972. She later attended Vermont College and Worcester State College where she received her bachelor's degree, and a master's from Assumption University in counseling. Her career as a substance abuse counselor spanned decades, during which time she touched countless lives, offering guidance, support, and hope to those in their darkest hours. Her work was not just a profession but a calling, and she approached it with boundless empathy, patience, and an unwavering belief in the capacity for recovery.
In her 40 years of sobriety, Annie became an advocate for those in recovery. She was a pillar of strength in support groups offering hope and sharing wisdom to countless individuals who were on their own way to sobriety. After her retirement, she volunteered her time at North Quabbin Recovery Center in Athol's ACT Program.
Annie was a beacon of positivity and optimism, even in the face of adversity. She had an uncanny ability to find humor in everyday moments of life, and her wit was matched only by her compassion. Her humor therapy sessions were filled with warmth and laughter, creating an atmosphere of joy and healing. Her kind and genuine care for others left an indelible mark on the hearts of all who knew her.
She will be lovingly remembered and missed by her wife of 44years, Joyce M. Annetts; her children, Michael Riopel (Kim) of Paxton, Jeanine DiMarzio (Michael) of Westminster, and John Riopel (Charlene) of Laurens, SC; nine grandchildren, Anthony, Alexander, Joseph, Giovanni, Kaitlyn, Matthew, Patrick, Anna, and Emily; a great granddaughter, Paisley; a brother, Richard "Dick" Parkinson; and several nephews and nieces.
Relatives and friends to visit with Annie's family from 3 to 5 pm on Sunday, September 17, at Miles Funeral Home, 1158 Main St., Holden. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to North Quabbin Recovery Center 416 Main Street, Athol, MA 01331.
To share a memory or offer an online condolence please visit Ann's tribute wall on this page.
Annie graduated from Wachusett Regional High School in 1972. She later attended Vermont College and Worcester State College where she received her bachelor's degree, and a master's from Assumption University in counseling. Her career as a substance abuse counselor spanned decades, during which time she touched countless lives, offering guidance, support, and hope to those in their darkest hours. Her work was not just a profession but a calling, and she approached it with boundless empathy, patience, and an unwavering belief in the capacity for recovery.
In her 40 years of sobriety, Annie became an advocate for those in recovery. She was a pillar of strength in support groups offering hope and sharing wisdom to countless individuals who were on their own way to sobriety. After her retirement, she volunteered her time at North Quabbin Recovery Center in Athol's ACT Program.
Annie was a beacon of positivity and optimism, even in the face of adversity. She had an uncanny ability to find humor in everyday moments of life, and her wit was matched only by her compassion. Her humor therapy sessions were filled with warmth and laughter, creating an atmosphere of joy and healing. Her kind and genuine care for others left an indelible mark on the hearts of all who knew her.
She will be lovingly remembered and missed by her wife of 44years, Joyce M. Annetts; her children, Michael Riopel (Kim) of Paxton, Jeanine DiMarzio (Michael) of Westminster, and John Riopel (Charlene) of Laurens, SC; nine grandchildren, Anthony, Alexander, Joseph, Giovanni, Kaitlyn, Matthew, Patrick, Anna, and Emily; a great granddaughter, Paisley; a brother, Richard "Dick" Parkinson; and several nephews and nieces.
Relatives and friends to visit with Annie's family from 3 to 5 pm on Sunday, September 17, at Miles Funeral Home, 1158 Main St., Holden. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to North Quabbin Recovery Center 416 Main Street, Athol, MA 01331.
To share a memory or offer an online condolence please visit Ann's tribute wall on this page.
To order memorial trees or send flowers to the family in memory of Ann L. Parkinson, please visit our flower store.
Service Schedule
Past Services
Calling Hours
Sunday, September 17, 2023
3:00 - 5:00 pm (Eastern time)
Miles Funeral Home
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