Jane L. (Butler) Parkin, 89, of New Bedford passed peacefully at home surrounded by her loving family on Thursday, May 7, 2020. She was the wife of the late Henry E. Parkin, Jr.
Born in Acushnet, the daughter of the late David and Isabella (Livesey) Butler. She grew up in Dartmouth and had lived in New Bedford for the last 50 years.
Jane was formerly employed as a secretary by John Dunn, where she met some of her life-long friends including the late Elizabeth Norton of Freetown, MA.
She was a communicant of St. Lawrence Martyr Church, where she also served as a Eucharistic Minister and CCD teacher and principal. She was a recipient of the Marian Medal Award for her service to the Catholic Diocese of Fall River.
She was dedicated to her children and served as both a Boy Scout Den Mother and Brownie Troop leader as they were growing up.
As her family grew, she provided the same dedication and commitment to her numerous grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Her home was a haven for them after school and during holidays. She was a frequenter of pageants, recitals, concerts, graduations and sporting events to celebrate them.
She is survived by two sons, Thomas A. Parkin and his wife Carolyn of Raleigh, NC, and Michael J. Parkin and his wife Renee; two daughters, Jane E. Mulvey and Kathleen P. Neves and her husband Joseph; her brother, Edward Butler and his wife Violet and her sister-in-law Rosemary Butler; all of New Bedford; as well as 12 grandchildren, Erin Borges, Vickie, Michael, Timothy, Jonathan, Christopher, and Nicholas Parkin, Sarah, Grace, and Quinn Mulvey, Courtney Neves and Rachel Bongiorno; nine great-grandchildren; and many nieces and nephews.
She was predeceased by her son, David H. Parkin and her siblings, William and David Butler.
Due to the current restrictions on public gatherings, her Funeral Service and burial will be private for immediate family. A public Memorial Mass will be held at a later date. For online condolence book, please visit www.saundersdwyer.com.