Bessie Parrish

Bessie "Bess" Shew Parrish, 85, of Kennett Square, Pennsylvania, passed away on June 16th at the Chester County Hospital after a brief illness, with family by her side.  Bess was preceded in death by her husband, Harrold "Hal" B. Parrish, in 2006. Born June 25th, 1937, in Newark, Delaware, she was the daughter of Clifford J. Shew and Isabel G. Shew.

A graduate of Newark High School and Thomas Business School, Bess moved to Kennett Square after her marriage to Hal in 1959.  For many years, Bess was the helpful "Mrs. Parrish" at New Garden Elementary School, where she positively impacted all.  Before moving to The Friends Home in Kennett, Bess was involved in many community activities – a past 4-H, Brownie, and Girl Scout Leader. She was also a KAPRB tennis coach, school and hospital volunteer, local sorority past president, and YAG club member for over 60 years.

Bess enjoyed reading, crafting, sewing, movies, music, travel, and football.  A tremendous Philadelphia Eagles Fan, she never missed a televised game with her son, Steve. Moreover, spending time with her beloved granddaughter, Jilly, brought her the most joy in life.

Bess is survived by her daughter, Kathy Parrish Rowan; son, Steve Parrish, and his wife, Lisa Parrish; granddaughter, Jilly Parrish Rowan; brother, Jake F. Shew; nieces Lori Shew Jones, Abby Shew, Amy Shew Moseder and husband Chris Moseder, and great nephew, Christian Moseder.

Burial will be private in New Garden Meeting Burial Ground.

A memorial meeting for worship will be at 1:00 pm on Saturday, July 8th, 2023, at New Garden Friends Meeting House, 875 Newark Road, Toughkenamon, Pa. 19374.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a memorial donation in Bess's name to Kennett Area Community Service (KACS), P.O. Box 1025, Kennett Square, Pa. 19348 (kacsimpact.org).

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