Waterbury, VT Mary Ellen Parks passed away at home on Sunday, July 10, 2011, in the loving arms of her family. She was born in Highgate Springs, VT on September 24, 1922, the only child of Josephine (Scott) and Walter Lander. They moved to Waterbury when Mary Ellen was an infant. She survived the 1927 Flood after being rescued by boat from the attic window of 65 South Main St., along with her mother and pet canary. Mary Ellen graduated from Waterbury High School in 1940 and the Burlington Business College (now Champlain College). During World War II, she served in the Vermont State Guard, being one of the few women to do so. On September 14, 1946, Mary Ellen married the love of her life, Leon (Sam) Parks at her parents' home on East St. in Waterbury. She was a devoted wife, mother, grandmother, and homemaker. Over the years, she worked as an executive secretary for The Peerless and National Life Insurance companies in Montpelier; New England Mutual Insurance in Boston; and the Bank of Waterbury and State of Vermont. She and her family lived in Northfield for many years before returning to Waterbury in 1965. Mary Ellen was an active member of the Waterbury Historical Society, Emerald Rebekah Lodge #33, and an RSVP volunteer. She always loved animals and held a special place in her heart for German shepherds and black cats. Her interests included history, bird-watching, nature, snow shoeing, and visiting Lake Champlain, Norton Pond, Lake Groton, and York Maine. She is survived by her husband of 64 years, Leon, of Waterbury; daughters Cynthia Parks of Waterbury and Joan Jacobs of North Salem, New York; granddaughters Sarah B. and Elizabeth P. Jacobs; son-in-law Neil Jacobs; and her beloved tuxedo cat, Buddy. Her family wishes to extend their gratitude to: Dr. Richard Katzman; The Squier House staff; Woodridge Nursing Home Maple Grove Unit staff; and Central Vermont Home Health and Hospice for the excellent care, compassion, and love given to Mary Ellen over the past several difficult years of her life. The funeral will be held Wednesday, July 13, 2011 at 2 PM at the Waterbury Congregational Church, 8 North Main St., Waterbury. A reception will follow with burial in Hope Cemetery at 4 PM. There will be no calling hours. In lieu of flowers, Mary Ellen had wanted contributions to be made in her memory to the Central Vermont Humane Society, P.O. Box 687, Montpelier, VT 05601 (www.cvhumane.com). Those wishing to send on-line condolences may do so at www.guareandsons.com and go to Mary Ellen's obituary.