Elise Kristen Parker, formerly of Marblehead, passed away on Sunday, March 10, 2024.  She was 45 years old.

She was the daughter of Leon Parker and Stephanie and William Rice.  Elise was a graduate of Marblehead High School.  In 2001 she graduated from Endicott College with a degree in business.  Elise worked within the field of business for the next three years while pursuing a master's degree in special education at Endicott College.  Special Education was Elise's calling, She was a gifted teacher working patiently to find the best educational tools for students with special needs.  Elise was also a teacher who not only taught her students but truly loved and cared for them.  She made sure that they had clothes and food and often became a part of their family.  Her loving ways were always apparent.

Elise was a lover of all animals, volunteering at numerous shelters throughout the Northshore.  She received a Volunteer of the Year Award from the Christopher Cutler Rich Animal Shelter in W. Gloucester.  Elise never hesitated to jump in to help find what any animal needed.  She acquired her first cat on her second birthday resulting in her unending love and patience for cats.  They were her passion for 43 years.

She also enjoyed reading, music, collecting proverbs and playing competitive board games.  Elise loved exploring new places, traveling throughout the U.S.  She loved to cook using creative culinary skills.  Her family and friends will miss Elise's Smile, laughter, intellect, quick wit, kindness and sparkling bright eyes.  She will be forever by our side and in our hearts.

Elise is the cherished daughter of Leon Parker Jr and Stephanie and William Rice and granddaughter of Beverly Parker.  Loving sister of Brooke (Sam) Wilson and adored Aunt of Caroline and Whitney.  Loving niece of Peter (Nancy) Rice, Linda (Ed) Collins, Susan (Bob) McNeil, and James Rice.  She will be greatly missed by her cousins Josh and Joanne Curtin, Nathaniel and Ashley Rice, Haley and Eric McAlpin, Megan and Dave Bagdasarian, Ryan and Lexi McNeil, Sean Collins, John Rice, Stacy and Kendra Parker and her special adopted brother Alex Robles.  Elise was predeceased by grandparents Genevieve and H. Harold Hansen, Leon Parker Sr., and William and Ann Rice, Aunt Debra Parker and Uncle Douglas Parker.

Private services have been held.  Please consider making a donation in memory of Elise to the Christopher Cutler Rich Animal Shelter, 4 Paws Lane, Gloucester, MA 01930 or to the Dana Farber Cancer Institute, P.O. Box 849168, Boston, MA 02284/jimmyfund.org/gift.  For additional information or online guest book please call 978-744-0497 or visit www.MurphyFuneralHome.com.