Audrée Anne Parr

Audrée Anne Parr passed away peacefully at age 90 on January 31, 2025, in Erie, Pa., joining her late husband, Jim. She was a devoted wife, loving mother and grandmother, cherished friend, and committed advocate for those affected by Parkinson’s disease. Her family wishes to give special thanks to Susie Wressell (dear friend) and Francine Babcock (trusted caregiver) for their support and care during Audrée’s final months of life.

Born to Allan and Esther White on April 10, 1934, Audrée was raised in Milton, Mass., with her three older brothers. Among the defining features of Audrée’s childhood were lessons in both elocution and horseback riding: Her refined manners, careful attention to social graces, and deep love of horses would remain with her for the rest of her life. The White Family also enjoyed many memorable summers on Cape Cod, a tradition that Audrée would continue with her own family. Throughout her high school years at Jeanne d’Arc Academy, Audrée developed a strong Catholic faith that became an integral part of her daily life.

After earning her bachelor’s degree from Manhattanville College in 1956, Audrée began an advertising career in Boston before embarking on an adventure to Paris, where she worked with writers and business executives as a “Girl Friday” and contributed freelance stories to the Quincy Patriot Ledger. Her reporting spanned a diverse range of topics including the Brussels World’s Fair, NATO conferences attended by President Dwight D. Eisenhower, Queen Elizabeth II’s coronation, and the unveiling of new collections at Parisian fashion houses such as Dior. No matter her subject, Audrée’s sharp eye for detail and keen interest in local happenings allowed her to craft compelling stories for her audience back home.

While in Paris, Audrée also met the love of her life, U.S. Army Counterintelligence Agent James “Jim” H. Parr. Audrée and Jim’s relationship blossomed on the streets of the Latin Quarter where they both lived, and they were frequent patrons at Left Bank establishments such as Les Deux Magots and Brasserie Lipp, often enjoying long, leisurely evening conversations on the terraces as they took in scenes of Parisian life. 

Audrée and Jim were married in Boston on May 23, 1959. Soon after, they moved to Staten Island, where Jim was employed with Chase Manhattan Bank in New York City while attending St. John’s University School of Law. Their first child, Heidi, was born in 1960, followed by children Jimmy (deceased 1962), Michael, Karen, Susan, David, and Allison. In 1968, the family moved upstate to Syracuse, and in 1974, the Parrs relocated once more to Erie, Pa., where they made their permanent home. Their house on Watson Road was full of activity—or, as Audrée put it, “blessed chaos”—as the Parr kids and their many friends came and went.

In 1982, Audrée received news that would change her life forever: Her beloved husband, Jim, was diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease at age 50. Audrée served as Jim’s chief caregiver, remaining by his side throughout each stage of his progressively debilitating illness. During this period, Audrée often turned to writing as a way to process and cope with the challenges of full-time caregiving. Her honest, raw reflections allowed her to find solace—and the written accounts she produced of her and Jim’s shared memories, griefs, and joys have since helped her children understand her experiences of marriage and motherhood.

After recognizing the lack of resources in the Erie community to support families facing Parkinson’s, Audrée also worked to raise awareness of the disease at the local level. She and Jim organized a small meeting of five couples in their living room, which eventually evolved into the vibrant nonprofit organization known today as Parkinson Partners of Northwestern Pennsylvania. Audrée’s unwavering dedication transformed the organization into a crucial resource for individuals and families affected by Parkinson’s disease. Through her compassionate leadership, she established numerous support programs, educational workshops, and fundraising events that significantly improved the lives of those with Parkinson’s and their loved ones. Her legacy continues through the Audrée Parr Parkinson Champion Award, which honors those who carry forward her mission of advocacy and support.

Audrée was an active member of numerous literary and community organizations throughout Erie, including the Ladies Literary Club of Erie, Pa., the Ladies Science and Literary Circle of the Chautauqua Institute, and the Cursillo Movement. She also pursued graduate studies in psychological counseling at Gannon University, reflecting her enduring interest in understanding and uplifting others. Audrée’s ability to connect with people was legendary. An avid storyteller and attentive, generous listener, she was cherished by all those who knew her in the Erie community and beyond. Her spirit lives on in the lives of her children, grandchildren, and countless friends who were touched by her grace and kindness.

Audrée was preceded in death by her husband, Jim, in 1997, by their infant son, James “Jimmy” H. Parr, Jr., in 1962, and by her brothers, Allan, Donald, and Robert. She is survived by her devoted children: Heidi Parr Kerner (Phil) of Erie, Pa.; Michael G. Parr (Cynthia) of Livermore, Calif.; Karen Parr (William Schlise) of Milwaukee, Wis.; Susan Parr Jocher (Steven) of South Portland, Maine; Dr. David J. Parr (Luchina Fisher) of New Fairfield, Conn.; and Allison Parr-Plasha (Michael) of Savannah, Ga. She also leaves behind her twelve grandchildren who were “the lights of her life”: Tyler, Matthew, and Megan Parr; Kelley and Joseph Schlise; Ella and Audrey Jocher; Gia, Luc, and Mateo Parr; and Saul and Tizita Parr-Plasha, as well as nine step grandchildren: Robert, Nicholas, Jordan, and the late Matthew Kerner; and Nathan, Matthew, Emily, Jacob, and Joshua Plasha.

In lieu of flowers, the Parr family kindly requests that donations be made to Parkinson Partners of Northwestern Pennsylvania, Inc., a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization. Donations can be made online at the Parkinson Partners’ donation page (www.parkinsonpartners.org/donate) or sent to: Parkinson Partners of Northwestern Pennsylvania, P.O. Box 10547, Erie, PA 16514. For information on how to help fund the launch of the Audrée and James Parr Parkinson Fund, please contact Michael Parr at (925) 321-6091 or the Hamot Health Foundation at (814) 877-3962. Your generosity will help continue the mission of providing support and resources to those living with Parkinson’s disease in our community.

Calling hours will be held on February 14, 2025, from 3 p.m. to 6 p.m. at Burton Quinn Scott Cremation & Funeral Services, West Ridge, 3801 W. 26th St., Erie, Pa. A Mass of Christian burial will be held on February 15, 2025 at 10 a.m. at Saint Jude the Apostle Church at 2801 W. 6th St., Erie, Pa. Interment will follow at Laurel Hill Cemetery.