Enjoyed hiking, nature and time at the family camp

Published June 13, 2019

NORTH READING — Robert Edwin Parsons, 68, of North Reading, passed away on Wednesday, June 5, 2019. He was the husband of Gloria J.G. (Gardner) Parsons.

Born in Melrose and raised in East Woburn, Robert was the son of the late Edwin N., and the late Betty J. (Day) Parsons. Robert and his wife Gloria had resided in Woburn before building their own home in North Reading in 1978.

Prior to his retirement, Robert owned and operated Easy Housekeeping Shops, a third generation family business with locations in Woburn, Chelmsford, and Salem, N.H., which has been carried on by his brother-in-law Mark.

Robert loved being outdoors, hiking, enjoying nature, and spending time at the family camp in Vermont. Robert, a listener, and a storyteller, was also a writer and a poet. Above all, he loved spending time with his family.

In addition to his wife Gloria, Robert is survived by two daughters, Katrina Jenkins and her husband Kyle of Reading, and Robyn Demand and her husband Frank of Salisbury; and one son, Edwin Parsons and his partner Eva Qvicklund of Methuen. He is also survived by his four grandchildren, the lights of his life, Eva Mae and Owen James Jenkins, and Jordan Joy and Taylor Jane Demand; and his sister, Mindy Widtfeldt and her husband Mark of Woburn. Robert is further survived by his nephew, Jesse Widtfeldt and his wife Helena, his niece Ashley Jane Widtfeldt and her partner Bruce Lynd; and many more on Gloria’s side – all deeply loved.

A funeral service was held at the Graham Funeral Home, 3 Arlington Rd., Woburn on Wednesday, June 12. Visiting hours were at the funeral home on Tuesday evening. Interment was private. In lieu of flowers, contributions in Robert’s memory may be made to the Wounded Warrior Project, P.O. Box 758516, Topeka, KS 66675