Joyce M. Parsley
Joyce Marie Olson was born Oct. 25, 1936 in Fargo to
Theodore and Phoebe (Toftehagen) Olson. She was baptized on Nov. 22, 1936 at
First Lutheran Church, Fargo. She grew up and attended school in Fargo,
graduating from Fargo Central High School in 1954. She married Albert Parsley
on April 18, 1969 in Sisseton, SD. On April 18, 2005, they renewed their
wedding vows and had their marriage blessed by their son, Jamie, an Episcopal
priest, in a ceremony in the chapel of Gethsemane Episcopal Cathedral, Fargo. She
was a member of Maple Sheyenne Lutheran Church for many years and, after moving
to Fargo, became a member of St. Stephen’s Episcopal Church.
The family moved to rural Harwood in 1975 and to West Fargo
in 1987. In 1980, she helped Albert start his own road construction business,
Al Parsley Construction, which they ran successfully for twenty years. They
retired in 2000. Albert died on Sept. 14, 2010.
Known as the Duchess, Joyce was just that: a true lady and a
class act in everything she did. Throughout her life, she was a strong, feisty,
amazingly independent woman who was an inspiration to many others. She loved
her flower garden and especially enjoyed cooking; she was widely known for her
lefse and her baked goods. She loved dining with friends at fine restaurants. She
will be remembered for her faith in God, her compassion and love for others,
and for her artistic soul. Her loss leaves a void in many people’s lives,
especially in those closest to her. Although her life was often difficult, she
rose above all the disappointments with a grace and strength that often amazed
those who loved her.
She is survived two sons; the Rev. Jamie Parsley and Jason
Gould; and both Fargo; a daughter, Michelle (Everett) Walker,
Valley City, ND; seven grandchildren, nine
great-grandchildren and several nieces and nephews
She was preceded in death by her husband, Albert; her son,
Jeffrey Gould, on July 29, 2013; her parents,
her brother, Marvin Olson, in 2007; and her sister, Shirley Carbno in 2011.
The Requiem Eucharist will be 11:00 a.m. on Friday February
2 at Gethsemane Episcopal Cathedral, 3600 25 Street South, Fargo.
Burial of ashes will be in the family plot at Maple Sheyenne
Cemetery, near Harwood, ND at a later date.
(Hanson-Runsvold)
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