Patsy A. Parkinson

Patsy A. Parkinson, 83 of Kearney, died on Thursday, June 26, 2025 at her home in Kearney. Funeral Mass will be 10:30 am, Monday, July 7, 2025, at St. James Catholic Church in Kearney with Fr. Josh Brown officiating. Burial will follow the service at Kearney Cemetery. There will be no visitation. Rosery will be 1 hour prior to the mass at the church. Memorials are suggested to the family, to be designated later. Please visit www.hlmkfuneral.com to leave a tribute or message of condolence. Horner Lieske McBride & Kuhl Funeral and Cremation Services in Kearney is in charge of arrangements. Patsy Parkinson, born on December 21, 1941, in Concordia, Kansas, to John and Mary O’Neill, was sent to her eternal home on June 26, 2025, in Kearney, Nebraska. She passed peacefully at her home. Patsy grew up in rural Kansas and attended Mankato High School. Soon after, she started the work of raising a large family. Additionally, she worked in retail for many years, where her quick wit, hard work, and love for people made her a natural. In 1987, she met and married the love of her life, John Parkinson. Their love of sailing led them to the Gulf Coast, where they embarked on many adventures. After John’s passing in 1998, she moved to Kearney to be closer to family. Soon after arriving, she began attending St. James Catholic Church and joined Catholic Daughters. She was an avid bowler, enjoyed quilting, and spending time with her many friends. Family time was important to her; she loved playing “winning” cards and Scrabble with her children and grandchildren. Patsy was spunky and sassy, with a heart big enough for everyone she met. She had a gift for making friends wherever she went and was always ready with a laugh, a story, or a helping hand. She was preceded in death by her husband John, parents, sister, May Jane Meeker, and her daughter, Belinda. Left to cherish her memory are her children: Bruce Rhea (Tricia) of Kensington KS, Monica Walker (Kenny) of Mankato KS, Deanna Somers (John) of North Platte NE, Brian Gilliland (Robin) of Lincoln NE, Brad Gilliland (Christina) San Diego CA. and Jason Gilliand (Lisa) of Las Vegas NV; step-children, Helen Parkinson of Cambridge, England and Steven Parkinson of Edinburgh, Scotland; She is also survived by 22 grandchildren, 24 great-grandchildren, one great-great-granddaughter, sister Kathy Noller (Gary) of Kensington, KS, and brother Tim O’Neill (Lana) of Lincoln, NE, each of whom she adored beyond measure. Patsy's family and friends will remember her fierce love, strong spirit, and the way she made everyone feel at home in her presence.

Tributes

Patsy A. Parkinson

December 21, 1941 - June 26, 2025