Mary Ann “Cookie” Parsons

Born April 20th, 1950, in Marquette, a daughter of Jerome and Katherine (Sharland) LaRue, Cookie was a proud lifelong resident of South Marquette. She graduated from Bishop Baraga High School, Class of 1968, and on August 9th, 1969, was united in marriage to Thomas Parsons. She attended Northern Michigan University where she earned her cosmetology license and was employed as hair stylist with Style Setters until her retirement. She especially enjoyed time spent with her grandchildren and great-grandchildren, and caring for her plants, especially her beautiful sunflowers. She was happiest when her home was filled with family, making sure everyone had enough food to eat, often using her favorite phrase, “want a doughnut”

Cookie is survived by her husband of 53 years, Tom; her daughter, Tracy (Gerald) Spruitenburg of Gwinn, her two sons, Brian Parsons of Marquette and Kevin Parsons of Gwinn; five grandchildren, Jaxen “J.T. Parsons of Marquette, Allyssa (Jake) Gentz of Duluth, MN, Shanna Spruitenburg of Marquette, Taylor (Rick) Morse of Indiana, and Kylie Albright Parsons of Iowa; two great-grandchildren, Landen and Lincoln Gentz; her brother, Pete (Marilyn) LaRue, Colleen LaRue, Pattie (Rudy) Jensen, and Jackie Beaudry; numerous nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her parents; sisters, Rosemary Diedrich, Rochelle McAuliffe, Katherine Maynard, and Marilyn Schmeltzer and a brother, Thomas LaRue.

Friends may at Fassbender Swanson Hansen Funeral and Cremation Services on Tuesday, September 13th, beginning at 12:00 pm until the time of service at 2:00 pm. Rev. Greg Heikkala will officiate.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be directed to the family.

Condolences may be expressed online at fassbenderswansonhansen.com.