Marilyn Parizek

Marilyn Jeanette (Royce) Parizek, 87, of Willington, CT, passed away on Monday, March 28, 2016. She was born on December 5, 1928 in Stafford Springs, CT, daughter of the late Frederick and Gertrude (Pease) Royce. She joins her late parents, her late sister, Christine Royce, and her late husband, Alois “Charlie” P. Parizek. Marilyn served in the United States Air Force during the Korean Conflict holding the rank of A/1C (P). Discharged with honors, she went on to marry Charlie, and they built the house in which they both lived for the rest of their days; tucked in Willington’s woods, flanked by fish ponds and gardens, soon overrun by the children, grandchildren and great grandchildren to follow. Marilyn and Charlie visited Rhode Island shorelines every chance, usually in the old school bus they painted red and transformed into a pristine, comfortable camper complete with mini kitchen and bunks for the children. A terrific cook and expert canner, Marilyn especially spoiled family and friends with her famous relishes, jams, and jellies. She was a talented crafter, a prolific knitter, an avid UCONN Women’s Basketball fan, a formidable crossword puzzle player, and the best listener ever. She also told great stories. Marilyn’s children and grandchildren loved to hear her talk about growing up in early Stafford Springs with her three sisters and partners-in-mischief. And of the time she spent at the Pentagon while in the Air Force, working to collect and direct intelligence from around the world. Her grandchildren could never persuade her to spill secrets she was sworn to keep, no matter how they begged, a favorite game; and although Marilyn never spilled secrets, the children always won, because she always told everyone what they needed to know. To receive one of her thoughtful, witty letters in the mail was always the perfect happy surprise, whether for one of her friends living far away or for a grandchild with a birthday. She spent recent years delighting in the many amazing friendships she found at the Willington Senior Center. She was also a member of the Strazza, Tonoli-Emhoff Post No. 26 American Legion Ladies Auxiliary. Marilyn goes on before two sisters, June Neill and Gail Nezames, a brother-in-law, Balles T. Nezames, her three children, Gay Marie Parizek, Nancy Leigh Parizek, and Gary Parizek, and a daughter-in-law, Anna Parizek. She was a cherished, revered grandmother to Christina Johnson, Joseph Guay, Allison Bolognani, Leigh Ann Ricci, Shawn Cameron, Luke Parizek, Taylor Cameron, and Julie Anne Parizek. She was adored by great grandchildren Saydra, Adam, Joshua, Lucio Jr., Belen, Rose, Lillian, Jesse, Benjamin, and Joey. She was always there to listen to them, to impart wisdom unto them, and to offer them reasons to smile. To help them understand, to help them live, and, importantly, to help them laugh. She takes with her all of their secrets. She leaves them with all of their love and their deep gratitude for everything she always will be. A calling hour will be held on Saturday, April 2, 2016 from 10-11 A.M. with a funeral service to take place at 11 A.M. at Introvigne Funeral Home, Inc., 51 East Main St., Stafford Springs, CT. Burial with Military Honors will follow in Willington Hill Cemetery, Willington, CT. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the Willington Senior Center, 60 Old Farms Rd., Willington, CT 06279, or to Hope Springs Church, 78 East St., Stafford Springs, CT 06076. For online condolences or directions, please visit: www.introvignefuneralhome.com