Viola L. Parks

is honored with a Brick from Linda S. Parks.

Viola Louise Bohnenberger was born September 19, 1917 in Utica, New York. She was the daughter of Louie and Louise Bohnenberger, the youngest of five children. She married Wade Cook when she was 17 years old and they had two sons, Thomas Carl and Phillip George. After 10 years of marriage, Wade was killed in a train accident. Viola later married Lynn Parks and they had two children, Bruce Lee and Linda Sue. Lynn later adopted Tom and Phillip.

Louie Bohnenberger believed in taking care of his family, but he did not believe women needed an education. Thus, Viola did not finish high school. Nevertheless, she is one of the brightest and most involved people anyone could know. She has an internal strength and forthright manner (a Bohnenberger family characteristic) which is hard to match .

From Linda: It is because my mother believed in me and was willing to help me at great sacrifice to herself that I was able to have a career as an attorney. Without her financial support, it would have been difficult to succeed. Without her moral and emotional support, it would have been impossible. To say "thank you" seems small praise, but always know, that I love you.

From your sons: You have been a great inspiration and influence to us all. Whenever we needed you - you were there. We love you very much.

From your grandchildren: You remember every birthday and every holiday. You are there for any one of us when we need you. Thank you for all you do. We love you.

Submitted by your children and grandchildren

August 31, 1998