Ann Harding (Griswold) Parsons

Ann Harding (Griswold) Parsons passed away peacefully surrounded by love on April 4, 2023 at 92 years old. She was the daughter of Gertrude and Harold Griswold and the sister to Betsey (Joe Hall), Mary Jane (Maurice Arcand) and Nancy (Gene Zable). Ann grew up in Yalesville, spending summers in Clinton on Cedar Island where she met the love of her life, Bruce Parsons. Ann and Bruce resided in Durham with their three children, Mary Jane, Steve, and Sue. Together they enjoyed all things nautical including sword fishing and driving their beloved boat Nest Egg back and forth to Cuttyhunk Island where Ann stayed every summer. Bruce left this world in 1998, and Ann has patiently been waiting to be reunited with him for 26 years. Ann worked for many years at W.A Parsons Company as Costing Clerk. She was involved in many community organizations including the Durham Garden Club, the Durham Fair Needlework Committee, Volunteering at the Durham Library and the Coginchaug High School Scholarship Ball, and she was the President of the American Field Service (AFS) at Durham High School/Coginchaug Regional High School. She was also a docent at the Cuttyhunk Historical Society. The Parsons family hosted two Foreign Exchange Students whom Ann kept in contact with for many years. Ann never missed a chance to connect with friends or attend functions in the town or for her family. Her love for candy making, baking and needlework were generously shared with all of her loved ones. She enjoyed quilting, gardening (especially daffodils), puzzles, playing cards and reading. Christmas mornings were especially important to her, and she delighted in making sure all of her grandchildren had joyful memories and full bellies. During her summers on Cuttyhunk Ann worked on the dock for the lobsterman and enjoyed collecting sea glass on the beach with her family. She enjoyed traveling and was fortunate to be able to go to Mexico, Germany, Hawaii, Alaska, Denmark, Spain, Morocco, and Canada. Ann became “Goni” with the arrival of her grandchildren. Through the years she attended countless sporting events, concerts, and activities to support them. Goni was fortunate to see each of her grandchildren marry and have children. She continued to stay involved and active with this next generation attending events for each of her 8 great grandchildren. Goni is survived by her children Mary Jane Parsons, Steve Parsons, and two children-in-law who she considered to be her children, Irene Parsons (Steve’s wife and Goni’s constant companion at the grandkids events) and Ken Burtis (Sue’s husband and Goni’s favorite personal chef); Her grandchildren Mary Ann (James) Estabrook, Marika (Irfan) Alibhai, Morgan (Erin) Parsons, and Matthew (Briana) Jewczyn; and great grandchildren Robby & Natalie Estabrook, Billy & Abbey Jewczyn, Naila & Kiran Alibhai, and Anderson & Collins Parsons. She is also survived by her sisters, Betsey, Mary Jane, and Nancy, and many nieces and nephews. Goni is predeceased by her parents Harold & Gertrude Griswold, her husband Bruce, and her daughter Sue (Burtis) who were undoubtedly waiting for her with much anticipation. There will be a wake at Doolittle Funeral Home in Middletown, CT on April 28 from 5:00-7:00 pm with a short celebration of life to follow at 7:00 pm. Her burial will be privately held with family at a later date. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Ann’s honor to the American Cancer Society, Alzheimer's Association, or the Philip Arcand Memorial Fund ℅ Conginchaug Regional High School, Durham, CT.  To share memories or send condolences to the family, please visit www.doolittlefuneralservice.com.

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