Nancy Collins Parry

Nancy Collins Parry -- known for her inherent grace, abiding Christian faith, dedication to family and lifelong connection to nature -- peacefully entered God's presence while surrounded by her loving family on July 12th. Nancy set an example of living life to the fullest and giving thanks to God daily for being blessed with another day with friends and family. She will be deeply missed by the many who loved her and whose lives she touched with her compassion and thoughtfulness.
She was born in Akron shortly before Christmas 1934 to James and Grace Collins. She graduated from Buchtel High School in 1952 before attending the University of Akron, where she was a member of the Delta Gamma sorority. She graduated in 1956.
It was at UA where she met the man who would become her husband and lifelong inspiration, W. Stuver Parry. At first, the two seemed a somewhat unlikely couple. She was forever described as elegant, refined and charming. He was an athlete with an easy smile, casual manner and quick wit. But they found in each other a rare balance, nurtured by their mutual faith in God, which endured unchanging through good times and bad. Their union served as a lasting example of the importance in marriage of mutual respect, shared values and plenty of humor.
She grew up in a musical family and enjoyed playing the cello in her youth. She also liked working alongside her parents in their floral business where she developed a love and talent for gardening and flower arranging. Throughout her life, she would share her passions for music and nature with the Akron area community.
Nancy used her talent to create arrangements for Stan Hywet Hall, her churches and for many private and public occasions. She also served on the Stan Hywet Board of Trustees for several years and was the inspiration behind its annual Summer Gala.
She was a member and past president of the Akron Garden Club, a Zone and Scholarship Chairman for the Garden Club of America and served as a National Flower Show judge.
She served on the Women's Committee of Blossom Music Center, and enjoyed many concerts there over the years.
She was also devoted to the University of Akron, and education in general. Nancy was an active member and past president of the Akron University Women's Committee. She served as one of the first women on the Board of Trustees for Western Reserve Academy in Hudson,where two of her children attended and was a member of that board for 12 years.
She was a member of the Akron Children's Hospital Women's Board and once served as chairman of its largest annual fundraiser, the Charity Ball.
Her relationship with God was central in her life. She was a member of First Presbyterian Church of Akron for more than 40 years and served as an elder there. In these last years, when she split her time between La Quinta, California and Akron, she was a member of the Bath United Church of Christ and the Palm Desert Community Presbyterian Church.
She enjoyed spending winters in La Quinta, where she served as a Stephen Minister at her church and shared her faith with many in her care.
She enjoyed being in a climate where she could grow beautiful roses and enjoy the peaceful view of the mountains.
She was also a remarkable homemaker. No Christmas would have been complete without the famous coffee cakes she baked each year. She seemed happiest when entertaining family and friends, and nothing was ever too much trouble for her when it came to guests in her home. For fun, she enjoyed visiting her favorite stores, which were anything but fancy: In and Out Hamburgers, Trader Joes, Costco, Graeter's Ice Cream, and the 99 cent store.
She was preceded in death by her parents, Grace and James Collins. She is survived by her husband of 56 years, W. Stuver; their four children, William (Caroline) Parry of Akron, Heather Crampton (Tom) of Dallas, David (Maureen) Parry of Akron, and Kathyrn Gillen (John) of Pittsburgh; and her 12 grandchildren. She is also survived by sisters, Carol Weissman and Helen Hoover.
There will be no calling hours. A Celebration of Life Service will be held at the Bath Church UCC, 3980 West Bath Rd., Akron, OH 44333 on Thursday, July 19 at 11:00 AM.
In lieu of flowers donations in her honor may be made to Stan Hywet Hall of Akron, the Akron Community Foundation, and the Coachella Valley Rescue Mission of Indio, CA. (Billow FAIRLAWN Chapel)