
To paraphrase George Orwell, everyone is unique, but some are more unique than others. One of those “somes” was Pat Parker.
She served as the GVSU librarian for law, legal studies, and criminal justice from 2000 until this past Halloween, when she passed away after a long, uncomplaining battle with cancer. We already miss her quick wit and infectious laughter, her gregariousness, her passion for the library profession and knowledge of legal resources, and her inability (or was it a refusal?) to acquire a midwestern accent.
Pat was a native of the Boston area, as anyone could tell after she spoke a few words. She earned her library degree from Simmons College, and worked in college, engineering, and law libraries out east and in the Grand Rapids area before coming to GVSU. She was an active member of the GVSU community and served on several committees, including the Pew Faculty Teaching and Learning Center Advisory Committee and the GVSU Graduate Council. Pat also served as a mediator for the Dispute Resolution Center of West Michigan, and was active in library organizations on the local, state, and national level.
Besides her GVSU library family, Pat is survived by her husband John Parker of Georgetown Township, her daughter Allison (John) DeMarais, son Sean (Stephanie), one grandson, Iainn Parker, and several brothers and sisters. The family has requested that memorial contributions be made to Susan G. Komen for the Cure.
–Submitted by Valeria Long