Helen Parker

Helen Wheatley Parker, a resident of Easton, Maryland and former long - time resident of Cambridge, Maryland passed away on Sunday morning, 9 August 2020. Helen was born on May 1, 1937 in Cambridge, MD, the daughter of the late Harley C. Wheatley and Grace Marie Wheedleton-Wheatley. She married Orian S. Parker on April 22, 1956. Orian died on August 20, 1998.
Helen is survived by her daughter Leah P De Angioletti of Glen Burnie, MD and son Jeffrey L. Parker of New York, NY and Easton, MD. She is also survived by numerous nieces and nephews.
In addition to her parents and husband, Helen was predeceased in death by brothers Donald C. Wheatley and Bobby Wheatley of Cambridge, MD.
Helen attended public school in Cambridge, MD and completed her final two years of education at the Pilgrim Holiness School in Allentown, PA.
As an adult, Helen held positions at the Dorchester General Hospital, Farmer’s and Merchants Bank, and Signet Bank. She also held a license in Geriatric Care and had been an accomplished Hairdresser for some years.
She loved her homes and devoted many hours to them, taking great pride in her well honed skills at decorative painting, wall papering and decorating. She instilled in her children the love and appreciation of beauty in all things.
Above all else, she was a passionate gardener who along with her late husband Orian could be found working together in the garden well into dusk on many evenings from early spring until the onset of winter. Along with her extraordinary Peonies, the Herb Garden that they designed and created together was her pride and joy. They were inspired by multiple trips to Colonial Williamsburg and Longwood Gardens - and the plan for the Herb Garden was the culmination of their lengthy research of those gardens.
Of all places, the garden was certainly where she found her peace and greatest joy. Whether delighting in the long summer afternoons or quietly having conversations with the Lord, the garden was Helen's sanctuary and where she so often found that thin place closest to God.
In the 1990’s they travelled to England where she was also delighted by the beauty of so many English Gardens.
Helen was also an accomplished cook and baker and was never daunted by trying a new recipe from her large collection of cook books. She had a special knack for intuitively knowing how to improve a recipe and make it her own. More than any time of year, Christmas was a joy in the Parker Home. Special meals, cookies and her famous "Black Walnut Cake"  became a holiday tradition for the rest of her life. At this time of year the garden was put to rest and the focus was on Christmas Trees, Holiday decorations and the most beautifully wrapped gifts one could hope for. Helen, along with Orian made Christmastime magical.
After the passing of her husband in 1998, she spent the late chapter of her life singularly devoted to her children. Her entire focus and purpose was loving them - and she shamelessly made that clear to anyone with whom she spoke.
She continued to enjoyed her frequent trips to New York City and The Hamptons where she was loved by many.
In recent years, she moved to Cooke’s Hope in Easton, MD with her son where they together made her final home.
In life Helen had an unwavering faith in God. She often spoke of that faith and how it had sustained her through many dark hours.
She has now faithfully made her crossing and joined the company of so many that love her.
Services will be held on Wednesday, August 12, 2020 at Christ Church, Cambridge at 2:00 PM. Officiating will be The Rev. Canon Bernie Schroeder.
In lieu of flowers contributions in Helen’s name can be made to:
Christ Church, Cambridge, Coastal Hospice, or The Mid-Atlantic Symphony Orchestra.