Kenya RPCV Bertha (Berta) Selland Parker dies in Sonoma
Bertha (Berta) Selland Parker - Longtime resident
02/20/04 - Berta Parker, age 89, died Jan. 20, 2004, from Alzheimer's disease.
She lived in Sonoma for more than 40 years, working both in the office at Sonoma Valley High School and at Parson's Lumber and Hardware. Her husband, Walt Parker, was a teacher at the high school.
Berta was born and grew up in Happy Valley, the sixth of 10 children born to Helga and Henry Selland. After graduating from the University of California at Los Angeles in 1936, she started her career as a high school teacher in Balboa. She last taught at Santa Cruz High in the 1950s while Walt, a veteran of two wars, went to college on the GI Bill. She served again, with Walt, as an educator in the Peace Corps in Kenya from 1972 to 1974.
Berta Selland Parker is survived by her sister, Esther Amabile of Los Banos; her brother, Harold (Bud) Selland of Fresno; and her three daughters, Kristine James of Sacramento, Patricia Parker of Berkeley, and Deborah Parker-Essig of San Leandro. She also leaves behind four grandchildren, Michele Fox of Santa Clara, Todd Stevenot of Petaluma, Farah Nichols of Los Angeles, and Tara Parker-Essig of San Leandro; and eight great-grandchildren.
Berta loved her life in Sonoma and asked that her memorial service be at the Sonoma Methodist Church where she was an active member for so many years.
Services will be held at 2 p.m. on Saturday, April 24, at the Sonoma United Methodist Church, 109 Patten St. The family invites those who knew Berta to the memorial, where they will be celebrating her lively, cheerful and loving spirit.
