Margaret Theresa Parker Weiss

Beloved Mother,

Cherished Friend

Margaret Theresa Parker Weiss, 90, died peacefully December 19, in Dunwoody, Ga. She was born in Baltimore, Md., August 17, 1920, the daughter of Jesse and Theresa McGowan Parker. She was the wife of 59 years to the late Charles F. Weiss, and was predeceased by her brother, Charles, and her daughter, Mary.

She will be greatly missed by her family, including her son, Monsignor Robert Weiss, Pastor of St Rose of Lima Parish in Newtown. She will be especially missed by her four grandchildren, as well as by her seven great-grandchildren. One sister survives her, as well.

Mrs Weiss enjoyed many things in life, especially spending time with her family. She was talented, creative, and a wonderful conversationalist. She especially enjoyed her time in Connecticut where she was known as “Father Bob’s Mother.” She considered the many people she met along her way as friends and was grateful for their generosity and kindness to her. Mrs Weiss was especially concerned about those who were ill or in need.

She was very active in the parishes in which she lived, both in Maryland and Florida, volunteering as an Extraordinary Minister of Holy Communion, a friendly visitor to the hospitals and homebound, as well as the president and chairperson of many church societies and committees. Mrs Weiss was also an active supporter of the Knights of Columbus, in which her husband was very involved. One of the greatest moments in her life was her introduction to Pope John Paul II while on a trip to Rome; it was one of the few times she was truly speechless! She always had a smile, a ready hand to do what was needed, and a generous and loving heart.

For many months while in assisted living in Dunwoody, she asked her family to take her home. They honored her wishes with a Funeral Mass in her home parish of St Charles Borromeo in Orlando, Fla., December 29, and laid her to rest with her husband at Woodlawn Memorial Park in Orlando.

A Memorial Mass will be celebrated by her son, Monsignor Weiss, Saturday, January 8, at 10 am, in St Rose of Lima Church. A memorial fund has been established in her honor by the parish. Contributions may be sent to St Rose of Lima Parish Memorial Fund, 46 Church Hill Road, Newtown CT 06470.

Her family wishes to thank the many people who have extended themselves during this time of loss by their prayers, expressions of sympathy, and the sharing of so many happy memories of Margaret. Very special thanks to Bishop William Lori and the clergy of the Diocese of Bridgeport and to the members of the many parishes in which Monsignor Weiss has served, especially the parishioners of St Rose of Lima.

The Honan Funeral Home, Newtown, is assisting the family.

The Newtown Bee        January 7, 2011