Lela Mae Parker

Lela was born April 14, 1948 at St. Elizabeth’s Hospital in Youngstown, Ohio to her parents Alfred & Lila (Bright) Parker of Mineral Ridge. She always said God looked down from above and picked two very special people to raise her. She was the apple of her daddy’s eye and loved listening to her mom sing while ironing. Her parents taught her unconditional love, compassion, kindness, morals, values, and to always see the good in people which she instilled to her children and grandchildren.

After high school she worked at General Electric and Lanes Funeral Home, later obtaining her STNA, where she worked at Edgewater Quality Care Nursing Home, retiring from Home Health Care Advantage. Lela loved her family and spoiled her grandchildren. As a devoted Christian she sang in the church choir and loved old gospel hymns. Her hobbies included ceramics, sewing, and baking. She enjoyed doing wordsearch puzzles, watching the various birds that gathered outside her window, and loved spending time with family.

She is survived by her children; Laurie Pawluk (Tom Zana), Jeffrey Gatrell, Michael Gatrell (Justin Court), grandchildren; Alexander (Aurora), Tessa, Sarah, Mikaylah, one great grandchild; Lucius, and sister; Phyllis Unger. Lela was preceded in death by her parents; Alfred and Lila (Bright) Parker, and brother-in-law; Charles Unger.

In leu of services a celebration of life will be held in the spring for family and friends.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.neptunesociety.com/location/cleveland-cremation for the Parker family.