Mary L Parise

Mary Ellen Lee Parise was born December 31^st, 1935 in Orlando Florida to Julius and Lucy Luke Lee.  She passed away at home on September 5^th, 2018 under the care of St. Francis Hospice and surrounded by loved ones.   She is survived by her husband of 63 years, Peter S. Parise, daughter Toni Lewis, son in law Eric Lewis, Daughter in Law Janis Shellabarger (Parise), Granddaughters Cassie and Lainey Lewis, and Great grandson Gavin Luke.  Preceded in death by son Jerry Parise 2015. 

Mary loved fast cars, drag racing, corvettes, her dogs, gardening and cooking.   Mary was a “mother” to all kids.  Throughout the years several children were taken in and cared for as her own no questions asked.  She always had great advice or wisdom to share.   Mary and Peter were both members of the National Corvette Clubs.   She was a long-time member of the Order of the Eastern Star.  Mary owned a Merle Norman Cosmetic Studio in Cocoa in the 70’s.  Shortly afterwards attended the Police Academy where she joined the Brevard County Sherriff Department and later took a security position on the Space Center.   She graduated from Argenbright Polygraph School in Atlanta.

After being injured on the job at the Space Center she retired and eventually moved to Mississippi to help care for her ailing sister.   They were able to spend winters in Florida to stay involved with her children and grandchildren.  She also spent many days at Adair Beauty Salon helping her lifelong friend Pat Coffy. 

In Lieu of flowers family would request donations be sent to Hospice of St. Francis in Memory of Mary Parise: https://www.hosffoundation.org/donate. 

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