Mavis Parkinson

Mavis was born in San Jose, California to Beryl Fenn and Aleric Frank Gashler, the oldest of their eight children.  She graduated from LDS Seminary and BYU where she also earned a Masters's Degree in Theater History.  In 1970 she married Richard Parkinson in the Salt Lake Temple, and spent the next decade supporting their growing family while her husband pursued a medical career.  Mavis taught in both high schools and colleges, and was active in charities and promoting the arts.  While she was particularly proud of her tenure as a board member of the Utah Shakespeare Festival, she always considered her family her highest achievement.  She leaves behind three daughters and two sons including Miel, Aerie, Jill, Paul and Reed, as well as 14 grandchildren, and her husband of 46 years.

Marvelous Mavis - that is what we all called her - was inspiring, indomitable, and irreplaceable.

The family would like to express our sincere gratitude to Dr. Chak Raddy who so sweetly cared for Mavis during her long illness.

The memorial services will take place at 10 a.m. on Friday, September 30th at the LDS meeting house at 1035 South 800 East in Orem, Utah.  There will be no viewing.