Kathleen Francis Parris

It is with great sorrow that we announce the passing of our mother Mrs. Kathleen Francis Parris. She passed away quietly in her sleep at her home in Laguna Niguel, CA on November 16, 2023. Her family was by her side.

Kathleen was born on October 28, 1928 in Framingham, MA to William Robert Flynn and Rita Flynn (Hollis) who proceeded her in death. Kathleen grew up during the depression in Framingham. She had four brothers and four sisters: Robert Jr., David, Richard, Edmund, Patrice, Eleanor, Jane and Rita. She is survived by her youngest, beloved, baby sister Rita. Rita Morris lives in New Hampshire with her wonderful family.

After graduating from high school, Kathleen took a job as a dental assistant. Not long after, Kathleen met her future husband Edwin A. Parris on a blind date. They were married in 1949 in Southborough, MA. Over the next 20 years they raised their family in Ashland, MA, Hopkinton, MA, Bennington, NH and Canon City, CO. Kathleen and Edwin had 9 children: David, Dennis, Jane Traxler, Timothy, Joanie (Robert) Laidley, Mary (Michael) Raulston, Ann (Russell) Crane, Amy (Robert) Schwinn and Sarah (Brett) Beightol. Her son David passed away when he was 27 years old. Kathleen had 19 grandchildren that she loved and adored: Jason Parris, Benjamin Parris, Shane Wisner, Elizabeth (Betty) Parris, Christi Traxler-Bullock, Matthew Flynn, Madison Parris-Tilley, Chyla Parris, Adrienne Parris, Seth Laidley, Daniel Laidley, Michael Raulston, Caleb Raulston, Kate Crane, Meredith Crane, Elizabeth Crane, Jase Parris, Alyssah Parris, Kara Beightol and Macey Beightol. Kathleen was also blessed with 15 beautiful, great grandchildren: Mason Parris, Connor Parris, Shaelyn Parris, Braden Parris, Wyatt Parris, Taylor Flynn, Alexis Flynn, Oliver Flynn, Cassidy Bechtle, Kenzlee Stordahl, Berklee Tilley, Jarron Montoya, Lilah Parris, Kerradwyn Mathias and Kalani Laidley. Kathleen loved her large family fiercely. She was an incredible, loving, giving, kind and fun grandmother and great grandmother. She spent all of her available time going on walks, setting up scavenger hunts, going to dance recitals, graduations, playing with dolls, reading books, playing games, cooking wonderful meals, and baking delicious sweets. Knowing her family was safe, happy and loved was all Kathleen wanted, and she did everything she could to make that happen.

Kathleen was staunchly devoted to both her family and her faith. Throughout her life, Kathleen was a dedicated member of St. Michael’s Catholic Church, Mission Basilica San Juan Capistrano and St. Timothy’s Catholic church. She was a Eucharistic minister for many years. Kathleen found great peace in her faith. Praying the rosary was a meditation that she practiced several times a day. You could find her on her knees praying, or if it was quiet, you could hear her softly whispering, praying to God.

A service will be held at St. Theresa Parish, located at 158 Old West Hopkinton Road, Henniker, NH 03242 on Saturday, July 13, 2024 at 11:00 A.M. There will be a luncheon immediately after.

We would like to thank Kathleen’s caregivers Connie Canaya and Mark Rio Estorpe for the compassionate care they gave to our mother these past several years. They loved her, and she loved them. They treated her with the utmost respect. Connie and Mark are truly angels on Earth.