Lona Magnelli Parker (1938 - 2017)

Lona A. (Magnelli) Parker, 78, passed peacefully from this earth on January 26, 2017 at Homeland Center, Harrisburg. Born October 9, 1938 in Hershey to Joseph and Laura (Gherardini) Magnelli, she died after a 5 year battle with ALS, Lou Gehrig's disease.

Lona was a 1956 graduate of Hershey High School, where she was a majorette for 4 years, and the Thompson Institute. She was a member of St. Catherine Laboure Catholic Church.

She had been an executive assistant for Governor Milton J, Shapp during his 8 year tenure, followed by positions with the state's Drug and Alcohol Bureau and a Special Needs Adoption Coordinator with the Department of Public Welfare. Lona was a long time volunteer and member of the Hershey-Derry Township Historical Society, and member of the Hershey Italian Lodge and the Areba Club.

Lona is survived by numerous cousins in the central PA area and in several states. She was the godmother to Stacey Houck, Etters; Joseph Altieri, New Jersey; and Wendy Rigli, Arizona.

Her family wants her to be remembered for her indomitable and uplifting spirit, wicked sense of humor, loving and compassionate soul, and generosity.

There will be a Celebration of Her Life beginning with a visitation from 10:00am – 11:00am followed by a Memorial Service on Thursday, February 2nd at the Hoover Funeral Home & Crematory, Inc., Route 422 & Lucy Avenue, Hershey PA 17033.

In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to the ALS Association, Greater Philadelphia Chapter, 321 Norristown Road, Suite 260, Ambler, PA 19002 or online at www.alsphiladelphia.org or Homeland Hospice, 2300 Vartan Way, Suite 115, Harrisburg, PA 17110.

Visit the online guestbook at www.hooverfuneralhome.com to share condolences.

Source: http://obits.pennlive.com/obituaries/pennlive/obituary.aspx?n=lona-magnelli-parker&pid=183754103&fhid=28162