Continue Your Mission - Nancy Parr

Nancy Parr is a retired United Methodist Pastor from the Upper New York Conference, but her mission to encourage hope is never ending. Nancy lives at RiverWoods Senior Living Community and continues to talk with and listen to residents who may have lost hope and need some encouragement. She explained, “I try to write letters to other residents here at RiverWoods to encourage them through tough times. I believe there is always hope. The world can be discouraging at times and it seems, especially now, that many people are discouraged. I just try to be an encourager and a good listener.”

Nancy was one of eleven children growing up in upstate New York. She married Pastor Steve Parr and after having two children, decided to go back to school to become a pastor herself. She started her career in 1979 as the chaplain at Keuka College. After five years, she served as an associate pastor at a few churches before becoming chaplain at a senior living retirement community. When Nancy and Steve retired, they moved to Williamsport to be closer to their daughter, who was attending Lycoming College. They moved to RiverWoods in 2014, when Steve was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s Disease. Nancy cared for her husband in her cottage and Steve passed away in November 2015.

She is now working to get a support group going on campus for people dealing with loved ones who have Alzheimer’s. Nancy enjoys taking part in the group and is hopeful more residents will join.

Nancy also had a great idea on how she could be a part of this year’s annual Car and Tractor Show at RiverWoods. She invited her brothers and their sons and other male members of her family to the show. Fifteen of them came and enjoyed the day at RiverWoods. Nancy said, “They said it was the most relaxing day that they’ve had in a long time. We took pictures and we played some games and we picked prizes. My family was very impressed with the car show. I think what impressed them the most was the fact that the employees here were running the show. They dedicated their time on a Saturday to put on a great show.”

Nancy said family time is so important to her. “I hear so many sad stories of people who haven’t spoken to family members because of a spat. Life is just too short to give up that kind of love for your family. We really have a wonderful time when we get together.”

Pastor Nancy Parr is a shining example of being called to serve, and Albright is proud that she is part of our family. Albright invites you to continue your mission by joining us at one of our six locations. Visit albrightcare.org for information on senior living, day programs, giving or volunteering.