Elizabeth Parsons Obituary

I'm inspired by Marilyn Schriner's message below to add a few words on this fifth anniversary of Lisa's departure. Well I know that when you care about somebody, five years don't change the feelings of loss very much!! Life goes on, but when that date rolls around again, the feelings can come back as if no time had passed. I'm very impressed by all the strong feelings her Chicago friends expressed at Lisa's passing. I only knew her briefly in 1985 (the tree-planting brigade in Nicaragua) & still remember her, so I can imagine how much those who knew her for decades must miss her still, especially her husband & now-adult children.

Lisa, with her quick smile & smart questionings. I hold your memory close to my heart.

Very sorry to learn of the untimely death of Lisa Parsons, just now when I looked up her name on the Internet. I knew Lisa for a memorable month in Nicaragua in 1985, when we were part of a tree-planting "solidarity brigade." This morning I was looking at my journal from that trip and decided to look Lisa up. This is a very late-arriving message, but 57 is way too early for a precious soul like Lisa to be taken, it seems to me, so my deepest condolences to Ron Barber and the young people (their children). Remarkable to see in the photos how little she had changed from '85, and all the messages about her humor and courage ring very true. She clearly had a big impact in Chicago. I'm glad she was appreciated by so many there.

Will miss you Capt

This was such a shock to our school community that I can't imagine what you are going through. What a loss to the world! Please know that she was such a great presence in our school and we miss her greatly. My sincerest condolences.

She was a lovely little kid when I used to baby-sit her. I loved her mother too. So sorry for her father and sister.

My condolences. Scott Habermahl informed a group of former Kenwood students of Lisa's passing, and we raised a toast to her fine spirit and inspirational life. Jon Steinhoff, Michael Link, John Horowitz, Merrill Boone, Tahir Naim all spoke of Lisa fondly. Our hearts go out to her family, especially to her husband and two children.

I was so sad to hear the sudden passing of Lisa. Linda and family, sending a big hug. May fond memories comfort you all.

I cherish the memory of Lisa as an upbeat, friendly person. We traveled to a banquet several years ago. She drive and we enjoyed the outing.

I’m so sorry to hear about this news. Lisa was in my online class and it was only tonight I heard about her passing from one of our classmates, everyone was deeply shocked. My condolences to her family, for the short period I knew her she was a fun person and was excited that her kitchen cupboards were being done.

My Deepest Condolences..!! Very Loving Wife Mother and Friend..!!

So sorry for your loss Ron& family. Our thoughts and prayers are with you

Lisa was a warm, lively woman with a quick, Huge Smile. She was brave and adventuresome.

I remember when a group of FF'ers biked to NYC after 911. Lisa stood along the curbside, baby in arms, with her BIG smile wishing us a safe journey.

My Monarch Butterfly way-Station is now dedicated to Lisa here in S Florida.
My heart goes out to her family.
Marilyn Schriner

Although i didnt get to spend much time with her Julies mom when i did meet her through a school project i had with julie, she was super sweet. With baked cookies and funny stories. Telling us how she ordered food in spanish to practice but also apologized if the order was wrong because her spanish wasn't perfect. She also embarrases julie no matter how much she pleaded for her to stop. It was a great experience and im so glad i had the opportunity. Even if i wasn´t that close, theres still a lot of coming from my family to yours and i honestly still think about that project. (picture of us from the project)

My first meeting with Lisa was as a lifeguard - a team player, competitor, and someone who like to have fun. We did not see each other often or work together steady, But when I did run into Lisa, she made the day better. She was righteous and bright and a strong presence. So sorry for the loss and void she left behind especially for her beautiful family and close friends. May her shinny spirit carry on.

So very sorry to hear of your Mom's passing. I remember fondly her ready smile each time she entered the school office, her joy of teaching, willingness to volunteer her time sharing her knowledge as a fire fighter with students and her devotion as a mother to you. Thoughts and prayers are with you.
Brenda Corman

Deepest sympathy for her family. Lisa always had a smile on her face. Rest In Peace

Our deepest condolences to your family I came on with her she is awesome :(

Lisa was a very liberal woman and a dear friend. Lisa was my captain when I was assign at ENG.97 Lisa you will be greatly missed. May God rest your soul.

I didn't know Lisa but I'm friends with her sister Linda who herself is a wonderful young woman. Linda tells be many wonderful thing about her sister. They sound very much alike. Linda talks about her "big sister" always looking after her. She has to be a wonderful person.

My heart felt sympathies go out to the barber family. She will be missed.

I'm at a lost for words ... too soon to leave this earth ... she will be missed ...

My deepest condolences to Lisa & her family ! Praying for you guys

Sorry for your loss. Peace to your family

Lisa will be missed by all she came to know. My friend will R.I.P
Condolences to the family

I'm so very sorry to hear about Lisa's passing. Lisa was a beautiful, kind person. As a new comer to Underwater hockey she was so kind to me and shared her knowledge and helped me feel welcome. I will miss her sweet smile and kindness. My thoughts and prayers are with her family.

Please accept my deepest condolences and sincere prayers.

I´m so very sorry to hear that Lisa has passed. My condolences to the family. Lisa was such a hard worker, she was so caring and very smart. Lisa always had a smile when I saw her. She will surely be missed by many

What a loss. Deepest condolences to all the family. Hugs and prayers.

So very sorry to hear that Lisa has passed, and my thoughts and prayers are with her entire family.

My deepest condolences to the Barber and Parsons families. I became friends with Lisa and Linda as a very young adult. I remember Lisa quite clearly as being an intelligent, energetic, fun loving and loyal woman. You are all in my prayers.

Sorry to hear about Lisa leaving us.
I was in her and Linda's academy class. She was always looking out for others, nature particularly.
A great person from a great family.

My deepest condolences. Eternal rest grant unto to her, and let perpetual light shine upon her. May she Rest In Peace.

My deepest sympathy at the sudden loss of Lisa. May God cradle you and your family as you bid farewell.

So sorry for your loss. Met Lisa thru Linda who I worked with on
CFD. Prayers for the family.

Many condolences to family. May your many memories be a comfort to you. She is a seriously loved and admired woman by many. That wont change.

My condolences go out to Lisa´s family. Too young too soon,,. RIP.

I´m so sorry to hear this news. It breaks my heart. Lisa was a friend to me when I was early in my career We are the same age so had a connection. I´m so very sorry

Ron I´m so sad to hear about your wife. You were always a great co worker when you were at 57. Our thoughts are with you and your family!

My sincere condolences to the Parson and Barber families may God comfort and watch over you at this difficult time.

I loved working with Lisa, truly an inspiration! You will be missed, may you Rest In Peace.

My deepest condolences to you and your family she was a great person I graduated with her in the fire Academy she´s a Great Firefighter and a true friend I will miss her.

My prayers to the family. It was a pleasure to work
With Lisa! Always had a blast!

So sorry to hear about your loss. I didn't know her very well, but was a fellow firefighter. My sincere condolences to the whole family

My condolences and prayers to the Barber family , nothing but positive impact did she bring not just to mine but other´s lives as well as the rest of the family it was nothing but pure joy to have her around growing up , she was kind hearted and connected with students when she would substitute teach in school everybody will have a smile in their face when they seen her in a classroom ,she would participate in making the school a better environment for everyone and looked for what was best for the students ,not only was she a substitute teacher but one of the greatest women firefighters ever and was always there when needed ,a good mother, strong, and loving woman . May she Rest In Peace

I remember the last time we spoke, it was shortly after you retired, I mentioned how surprised I was to hear you retired but recall very clearly your response. Your kids! You wanted to be retired & at home for them when they went off to college, and having them know you´d be right there at home when they return. That´s you Lisa!
You knew the importance of family.
You knew where your place was & took it! I was proud of you then & still am.

We came on the CFD together, none of us knowing each other but being ecstatic at pursuing this job we trained so hard for. You were always welcoming & eager to include everyone. So glad that our paths crossed. You will always be missed, always.
My condolences to your family.
Prayers on your continued journey.

Our Deepest condolences to Barber-Parson family. Lisa has definitely impacted many lives and has achieved so much in life. We miss the days when Denny and Mike would play in field and on court. We were family who filled the stands and enjoyed watching them play together. You will truly be missed.-Munoz Family

I am so sorry. I hadn't seen her in quite a while, but still considered her a friend. We had the best times on Bennett and South Shore Drive! I often hoped we would run into each other in these recent days.

From the minute we first met in the academy, we always had a bond. Our groups were together the whole time and we all worked as a team. Throughout our careers, no matter how long between visits, we could always joke and laugh. You proved your toughness and determination from day one, and throughout your career. You definitely were a trailblazer on the CFD, and I am honored to be your classmate. May You Rest In Peace and your family has my deepest sympathies

Great person to work for. God bless

Wayne and Linda - our deepest condolences. Lisa was a relentless warrior in Chicago Underwater Hockey, and in life. I fondly remember her in practices, games, tournaments, and after-parties, and always enjoyed her quick wit. It never surprised me that she became an accomplished leader in her chosen field, and a loving parent and spouse.

Always a pleasure to be around when our paths crossed. My thoughts and prayers are with Ron and the rest of the family. God Bless may she rest in peace.

We are truly saddened.. Our thoughts and prayers are with all of you,,

I really liked her. I thought she was one of the coolest people ever. Worked with her many times and often seen her in the neighborhood. Lived a couple blocks from me. I'm very sad about this. She waved to me when I rode my bike past her house.

Very sorry for your loss.

Going to miss you,Capt

My condolences to the family, my God bless you all

So very sorry to hear of the passing of Elizabeth. Elizabeth had much to offer the department. It was not easy in the beginning of her very respectable career. She proved that she could handle her duties with the best of them and became accepted and respected by her peers and proved to be a very good leader and paved the way for other woman to be firefighters.
Elizabeth was able to accomplish so much in her time. She will be miss by all who worked with her and she will surely be missed by her loving family who can be so very proud of her accomplishments.
Elizabeth will always be remembered as a trailblazer for woman's causes and for her work and dedication as an example of true AMERICAN SPIRIT.
GOD BLESS TO ALL OF HER FAMILY...

Your pure heart will be missed. I will do as you asked of me. My condolences to the family.

Condolences to everyone. Lisa will be missed greatly. I always enjoyed when our paths crossed at the firehouse. Great Lady. Very sad

My deepest sympathies go out to the family, friends, colleagues and dogs who were enriched by beautiful Lisa and her bountiful talents. My her memory be an eternal blessing

Lisa´s smile and calm demeanor will never be forgotten. She always made herself available to teach anyone who asked. Lisa was a woman of peace at a time when the Chicago Fire Department needed it. The world is a better place because she lived. May God Bless and Comfort her entire family!

Upon hearing the news of your Transition I was over taking with sadness, until I remembered our first fire together, we were ordered to go into a basement flooded about 4-5ft, with rats, cats, a dog & some pigeons all going crazy. I didn´t want to go but we had to try, and with every step I check to see if you were still behind me. If you had turned back the job would not have gotten done. But you didn´t, and you earned my RESPECT ! Lisa U will be missed but never forgotten

My deepest condolences and prayers to the Parsons and Barber families.

Sorry for your loss. We were at our 35th class reunion and when Lizzie saw me she gave me the biggest hug she made me feel special. Gonna miss her and her wonderful school memories. She was my friend.

I am so sorry to hear of this tragic news. My heart goes out the Barber family. I hope the loving happy memories of her life find you often.

I am deeply saddened to hear of Lisa's passing. Way, way too soon! I went to high school with Lisa and the thing I remember most about her was how self-assured and down-to-earth she was. I had not seen her in years, but had followed her life through other friends, and admired how she and Linda broke so many barriers as some of the only women in the CFD. My deepest condolences to Linda and the rest of her family. She will be missed!

Lizzie was my classmate at Kenwood. Last saw her at our 35th reunion in 2016. She was a great person with a loving spirit. Will definitely miss her smile. Rest in Peace!

Lisa was a pleasant and joyful person. My condolences to Julie, Denny, Ronnie and all of the family. I'm holding space for all of you during this challenging time.

Linda I am so sorry for loss sending prayers and hugs to you and your family may she rest in enteral peace

I loved you from the minute you were born, and will always love and miss you.

Lisa was great to work with. She always made work fun and enjoyable. Rest In Peace.

Lisa was my friend and neighbor for more than 20 years. Lisa, Ron, Juliet and Denny were family. Lisa was an exceptional mother, she raised two extraordinary children who are heartbroken. Lisa will be missed by so many friends and family but she left love and memories for all of us. I will miss this woman.

Class of 11/86 Known her my entire career she was a pleasure to work with

Lisa was my friend and neighbor for over 20. Lisa,Ron,Juliet and Denny were more than neighbors to me they were family. Lisa was an exceptional mother to her children. I will miss this woman, I have so many memories with Lisa and her family. My heart is broken for Jules and Denny.

I´m so sad to hear this devastating news. My thoughts are with Linda and the rest of Lisa´s family and friends.

Lisa was a joyful and dedicated teacher who loved her family dearly.