Dee Loris Parker

Born in Jamestown on June 23, 1936, Dee was the daughter of Helen Bentley Parker and Earl J. Parker. She was raised on the family’s dairy farm near Jamestown during the challenging years of World War II–a childhood that instilled in her a lifelong sense of practicality, independence, and perseverance. Family stories recall that her mother finished churning butter before heading to the hospital to deliver her, a tale that perfectly reflects the can-do spirit Dee carried throughout her life.

A proud graduate of Alfred University, Dee earned her degree in mathematics and later completed her master’s degree at Rutgers University. She began her career at Bell Labs, where she became one of the earliest female computer programmers, breaking barriers in a field that was then new and largely male-dominated.

During her career and beyond, Dee balanced intellect with creativity. She later managed the Erica Wilson Needleworksstore in Southampton, N.Y., and founded DLP Books, a business specializing in rare cookbooks and needlework titles she lovingly sought out across the country.

With her lifelong companion, Nancy Shellenberger, Dee designed and built their home in Hampton Bays–a three-story house constructed from reclaimed barnwood salvaged from farms across New York State. The home reflects Dee’s values as both a creator and an environmentalist, built with care, purpose, and love of the natural world.

acook who believed everything should be made from scratch. She excelled at woodworking, knitting, needlepoint, and painting. She was also a dedicated environmentalist and activist, advocating for conservation and sustainable living long before it was popular to do so.

She was predeceased by her parents; her lifelong companion, Nancy Shellenberger; her siblings, Dortha Mae Parker Lacy, Donald Eldon Parker, Dora Faye Parker Churchill, and Doris M. Parker Swanson; and one nephew. She is survived by five nieces, four nephews, and many great-nieces and great-nephews who loved her dearly.

At her request, Ms. Parker’s remains have been donated to a medical school. A private spreading of ashes will be held at a later date. Memorial contributions may be made to the Kanas Center for Hospice Care (East End Hospice) or by planting a tree through a favorite charity in her memory.