Frances Bauer Parker, 90, wife of Dr. John Chamberlin Parker was born Frances Elizabeth Bauer on January 25, 1934 in Cincinnati, Ohio to Emily Thurber Bauer and Nicholas Bauer. Fran died August 8th at Chelsea Hospital in Chelsea, Michigan.

Fran graduated from the College of Wooster with a degree in history. Before children, she taught seventh grade in the Willow Run Schools. After the family settled in Jackson Michigan she became a lifelong activist for social and environmental causes. She launched a community recycling program in the 1970s, was a long-time supporter of the Dahlem Nature Center, and an delighted birder with the Jackson Audubon Society. She dedicated decades to the League of Women Voters, including state-wide lobbying on key issues and serving as President for the Michigan League. Her work was recognized by the Susan B. Anthony Award, the Liberty Bell Award, and a Resolution of the Michigan Legislature.

One of Fran’s favorite phrases was “live fully ‘til you die” and she embodied this by taking on every aspect of life with gusto, inspiring others in the process. She was a passionate mother, grandmother, great-grandmother. She took up painting in her 60s and restarted piano lessons in her 80s. She started a new chapter with John at Silver Maples Retirement Community, making dear new friends late in her 80s. Fran was known for her warm quick smile, her buoyant spirit, baking one of the best apple pies in Michigan, and her deep spiritual quest toward God.

Fran is survived by her loving family: husband John Parker, daughter Anne (Joseph) Campau, daughter Joan Parker, son David (Jane) Parker, grandchildren Joan (Adam) Campau, Peter (Kelly) Campau, Samuel Campau, George Campau, Alexander Gordon, Charles Gordon, Emily Parker, Christopher (Emily) Parker, Lydia Parker and Elizabeth Parker, great grandchildren Piper and Dorothy Parker and Cherub Carlson, and her Brother Nicholas (Connie) Bauer.

Fran is predeceased by her birth mother (who died when Fran was four), her father, her stepmother Mildred Gieringer Bauer, and her sister Carla Vendeland.

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