Connie Long Parker, retired Air Force nurse

Connie Long Parker, 81, of Millsboro, formerly of Odessa, passed away Wednesday, March 17, 2021, at her home.

She was born in Frankford Aug. 8, 1939, daughter of the late Therl and Grace (Daisey) Long.  Connie graduated from Selbyville High School class of 1957, then completed her registered nursing degree from Memorial Hospital School of Nursing in Wilmington.

After graduating from nursing school, Connie joined the Air Force and was stationed at Lackland Air Force Base in San Antonio, Texas.  She was then stationed in the Philippines during the Vietnam War.  After her discharge from the Air Force, Connie continued her education and obtained her BSN from Wilmington College.  Also, upon returning to Delaware, she joined the Delaware Air National Guard, retiring with the rank of lieutenant colonel.  

She resided in Odessa with her husband, Charles Parker, for 27 years and moved to Millsboro in 2005.  Connie was a member of the Odessa AAUW and the Selbyville Women’s Club.  

In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband in 2009.  Connie is survived by her sister, Nancy Kushela and her husband Rod; a nephew, Keith Kushela; and a niece Karen McIlvaine and her husband Thad, and their two children, Miranda and Addison.  She is also survived by two special friends, JoAnn Mackenzie and Paula Mcaulifee.

A funeral service will be held at noon, Friday, March 26, at the Frankford Chapel of Melson Funeral Services, 43 Thatcher St., Frankford, where friends and family may gather after 11 a.m.  Interment will follow at Carey’s Cemetery in Frankford.  

Connie had a special love for animals and the family requests that contributions be made in her name to the Brandywine Valley SPCA, 22918 Dupont Blvd., Georgetown, DE 19947.  

Online condolences may be sent by visiting www.melsonfuneralservices.com