Obituary: Sally Ernstrom Parker, 81, of Fairfield

From Lesko & Polke Funeral Home

Sally Ernstrom Parker, 81, of Fairfield, beloved wife of the late Bruce Radde, passed away on Friday, February 17, 2017 at Bridgeport Hospital.

She was born on July 2, 1935 to the late Sivert and Florence Ernstrom. Sally spent her youth in Fairfield and graduated from Roger Ludlowe High School. She received her Bachelors and Master of Arts degrees from the University of California, Berkeley.

Following her graduation she was a member of the Faculty and Gallery Director at California State University System. As the Gallery Director, Sally was responsible for setting the artistic policies and managing the day to day operations. She procured both permanent and temporary exhibits for the museum.

Sally also performed extensive research in the fields of art and architecture, knowledge that she would later use to assist the Town of Fairfield, as an active volunteer. When her parents had taken ill Sally returned to Fairfield to care for her aging parents and worked in the computer software industry. She immersed herself in the town lending her expertise as a member of the Affordable Housing Committee, the Stratfield Village Association and an alternate member of TPZ.

Sally was an active and well respected member of the Fairfield Democratic Town Committee. She dedicated her time to progressive candidates, helping to run headquarters, phone banks, mailings, canvasses and more. She was a passionate advocate for Democratic values, never yielding from her activism.

Sally's memory will lovingly be remembered by her sister, Susan Allen, of Bridgeport; a niece, Leisa Allen, of Branford; a nephew, Thomas Allen, and his wife, Elise, of Milford; a great-niece, Jodi Pelton, and her husband, Ryan, of North Branford; and a brother-in-law, Peter Allen, of Ansonia. Friends may greet the family at Lesko & Polke Funeral Home, 1209 Post Rd., Fairfield, Saturday, February 25, from 10-noon. All other services will be held privately.

Memorial donations may be directed to the Connecticut Hospice, 100 Double Beach Road, Branford, CT 06405.

To leave online condolences, visit Lesko & Polke Funeral Home here.