Elizabeth M. (Barron) Parran, 90, died May 31 at home, from the long-term effects of a stroke suffered many years ago. Her fortitude, patience, and cheerful outlook were extraordinary.

Mrs. Parran was born in Providence RI in 1924, to James F. and Katherine Barron of Boston. She and her three brothers grew up chiefly in Loudonville NY and Cape Elizabeth ME. In 1943, after attending Waynflete School and Bradford College, she married her Ben—who was allowed only an overnight leave from OCS at Quantico. After the war, Ben's career meant establishing a succession of homes—in Beverly MA, Syracuse and New Hartford NY, Santa Barbara CA, Stockbridge MA, and Rochester and Manlius NY. Betty and Ben were finally able to enjoy a lively retirement in Cotuit on Cape Cod, before joining family in Chesapeake in 1998.

In earlier years, Mrs. Parran was a volunteer for the Junior League, Recording for the Blind, and the VNA. She was also an avid reader and bargello enthusiast, an extremely thoughtful gift-giver, and a welcoming hostess.

Mrs. Parran was predeceased by her beloved husband Benjamin and their little daughter Angela. She leaves her children Katherine Moriarty (Richard) of Chesapeake, Benjamin Parran (Shirley) of Daytona Beach, and Edward Parran (James Guidera) of New York City. She was Mimi to her granddaughters Elizabeth Hankin (Daniel) and Anne Moriarty (Ryan Hankin) of Chesapeake, and to her grandson Colin Moriarty (Susanna) of Athens GA. Great-grandchildren Conner DuRose, Elliott Hankin, Alex Hankin, Graham Hankin, and Lennon Moriarty loved to bring her treats, collect some hugs, and enjoy a dish of ice cream.

Special mention must be made of Ms. Martha A. Sellers, whose constant love and care improved Mrs. Parran's daily life for twelve years. Laughter and kisses abounded.

A funeral Mass will be held at Church of the Resurrection in Portsmouth on Thursday, June 18 at 11 a.m. Interment will be at Christ Church in Port Republic MD the next day. Ben and Betty will be together again, on their 72nd anniversary.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in her name to: Oasis Social Ministry, 800 Williamsburg Avenue, Portsmouth VA 23704.