Bruce E. Parkhurst

FITCHBURG - Bruce E. Parkhurst, 73, of Fitchburg, passed away on Thursday, October 8, 2020 in St. Vincent's Hospital, Worcester.Bruce was born in Gardner on October 25, 1946 to Edward and Melina (Jaillet) Parkhurst. He grew up in Gardner, and lived there with his dearly loved wife of thirty-eight years Jane (Kozlowski) for many years before moving to Fitchburg. He attended Bridgeport College, Bentley College, and Fitchburg State College, where he earned a B.A. in Special Education.  Throughout his remarkable life, Bruce wore many hats – both literally and figuratively. He worked at Merrill Lynch in Boston, taught elementary Special Education at John R. Briggs Elementary School in Ashburnham, was a floral designer and owner of Lasting Impressions in Northborough, worked as a Job Coach at social services agencies providing support in the workplace fostering client independence, and was a proud retiree of Verizon. He was beloved by many – for his gentle and caring nature. He was generous and compassionate, artistic and a lover of life. Bruce and Jane enjoyed tremendously traveling throughout Europe and Canada over the years, always making friends along the way. They made several trips to Ireland, Italy and France, relishing in local culture, music, food, art and wine. Bruce embraced his Canadian heritage, which enticed them to visit several provinces of Canada. He and Jane loved to entertain; bringing family and friends together over food and wine – often with games and activities. These gatherings brought him great joy. Bruce was well known for his cooking and baking, especially his annual Christmas Cookie preparation and special deliveries, which reached all over New England, and beyond. Bruce remained a loving teacher throughout his life. He especially enjoyed literature and took pride in teaching his grand-nieces new words, penmanship skills, and reading. He had such an appreciation for books, and revelled in sharing meaningful – and often emotional – stories with the girls. He will forever be their Uncle Bee. Predeceased by his parents, as well as his brother Ronald, and sisters Kathryn Boucher and Patricia Cropper, he leaves behind his wife Jane, niece Becky & husband Erik Yi, grand-nieces Kaylee and Lizzy; nephew Mark & wife Amanda Kozlowski, grand-niece Addison; nephew Ben & wife Arden Kazan; niece Jennifer & husband Ben Walker, grand-niece Melina; niece Lynda & husband Curt Doucette; nephew Mark & wife Sandy Cropper; nephew Doug Cropper; and cherished brothers- and sisters-in-law, and cousins. A memorial service will be held on Thursday, October 15, 2020 at 1 pm in the Mack Family Funeral Home, 105 Central St., Gardner.  Burial will follow in St. John’s Cemetery, Gardner. A calling hour will be held Thursday from 12-1 pm in the funeral home. In lieu of flowers, do something nice for someone else. Buy the best bottle of wine, eat the that second cookie, and enjoy life to the fullest.  To send an online condolence please visit www.mackfamilyfh.com Mack Family Funeral Home, 105 Central St., Gardner is directing arrangements.