OBITUARIES

Interior designer Mary Lynn Parks

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Mary Lynn (Schoeninger) Parks died Sept. 26, 2019, from lung cancer.

She is survived by her son Christopher Parks, daughter-in-law Vivian Sessoms, daughter Laura Parks, sister Sandra Schoeninger, brother Douglas Schoeninger and his wife Frances, and brother Kenneth Schoeninger, and his wife Lynn.

She was born March 2, 1946, in Milwaukee, the daughter of Doris Purvis Schoeninger and Irvin Schoeninger — the youngest of four siblings. She was raised and attended school in Whitefish Bay, Wisconsin.

After a year of college, she married John Parks, and joined him at Iowa State University in Ames, Iowa. There, their son Chris was born in 1966, and their daughter Laura, in 1970. John’s veterinary career eventually took them to Riverdale in 1972.

In Riverdale, she began her interior design career, buying into Riverdale Interiors. Devoted customers loved her eye for design and her warmth. After selling her interest in the store, she continued to create beautiful interior spaces for her customers.

In 1982, after her marriage ended, she purchased a cottage in Smallwood. With consummate carpenter Edward Lubniewski, they turned the unstable lakefront cottage into a beautiful sturdy house. In the process, they fell in love and created a committed partnership, lasting until Ed’s death on July 15, 2019.

She was gifted with fierce love for those close to her. In her last days, from her hospital bed, she was still looking out for others.

A celebration of Mary Lynn Parks’ life will be held at the Smallwood/Mongaup Valley Firehouse, 72 Ballard Road in Smallwood, on Sunday, Nov. 3 at 1 p.m.

Those who would like to make a contribution to honor Mary Lynn Parks and her care for others can do so to: Services for the Developmentally Challenged (with checks made to “SDC”), Attn: Accounting Department, 5475 Fieldston Road, Bronx, N.Y., 10471, or to the Smallwood/Mongaup Valley Fire Department, P.O. Box 124, Mongaup Valley, N.Y., 12762.

Condolences may be sent to P.O. Box 12, Smallwood, N.Y., 12762, or posted online at KennyFuneralHome.com.

Mary Lynn Parks,