Vallie Parent was born June 9, 1925, in Albert Lea, Minnesota, the daughter of Victor and Florence (Bakken) Myrland. She attended Albert Lea schools and graduated with a degree in chemistry from St. Olaf College in 1947. She also attended the Lutheran Bible Institute in St. Paul and later worked in the Research and Development department at the Economics Laboratory which eventually became Ecolab.
In 1961, she married Mr. Clifford Parent. They moved to Beaver Bay, MN where Cliff operated the Pure Oil service station and Vallie became the church secretary at Sychar Lutheran Church in Silver Bay, a position she held for more than 40 years! Along with joyfully performing her duties, Vallie was instrumental in establishing the church library at Sychar. She also wrote a much-loved column in the church’s monthly newsletter.
Mrs. Parent is survived by two stepsons; Jim Parent of Fort Ripley, MN and Tom Parent of Olympia, WA; two grandchildren, Lorrie Parent of Excelsior, MN and Thomas Parent of Canton, GA; a great-grandchild, Jamie Grossand of Bloomington, MN; two nieces, Susan (David) Needham of Anderson, MO, and Linda (Steve) Unverzagt of Eagan, MN; two nephews, Brian Myrland of Burnsville, and Bob (Shelly) Myrland of Shoreview, MN.
Vallie will be missed by her many grandnieces and nephews, as well as an ever-expanding list of great-grandnieces and nephews. She was blessed with, and grateful for a large group of amazing friends including the wonderful staff at Carefree Living in Silver Bay, and the incredibly caring crew of Ecumen Hospice. She would have loved to give each friend and family member another hug and to tell them how much they meant to her.
Vallie was preceded in death by her parents; her husband, Cliff; a brother, Vernon; a sister-in-law, Dorothy; and a daughter-in-law, Sandy.
Vallie will be remembered for her strong Christian faith; her cheerful, upbeat spirit and her warm heartfelt hugs. She lived Thessalonians 5:16-18, “Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.”
A Celebration of Vallie’s Life will be held at a later date with notice published beforehand. To share a memory or leave an online condolence, visit www.cavallinfuneralhome.com.
