Grace Louise Parke was the only surviving daughter of Donald Columbus Parke and Elizabeth Kate Rahrle. Because her father moved around looking for work as a carpenter, Grace grew up in several towns in New York State (including Buffalo and Syracuse) as well as Ontario. The family eventually settled in New Brighton, Pennsylvania, where Grace met her beloved husband Wilbur Curtis McCullough. They married in 1925 and settled in Pittsburgh.
Grace knew everything about the natural world and about keeping a household on a small budget. Most of all, she knew how to create an unforgettably loving home for family, neighbors, friends, dogs, and even a couple of pet alligators, which a friend mailed to her children as a big surprise in the 1930s.
With just pennies' worth of food, Grace made wonderful and comforting meals. Instead of measuring ingredients with cups or spoons, she weighed them with her hands. In a store of any kind she was a skilled huntress with X-ray vision and a wad of coupons, and no one of any age could keep up with her.
Despite financial hardship in her early years, and a lifelong habit of frugality, Grace traveled the world. In 1924 she and a girlfriend saved their money for a train trip from Pittsburgh to Chicago and points west. During their 46-year marriage, Grace and Wilbur often drove to Canada or the Outer Banks. Grace never boarded a plane until Wilbur died, but then she flew all over the United States and abroad. She also enjoyed cruises, and sailed until age 92. By then she had seen England, China, Japan, the Caribbean, and the Arctic Circle.
Grace knew everything about the natural world and about keeping a household on a small budget. Most of all, she knew how to create an unforgettably loving home for family, neighbors, friends, dogs, and even a couple of pet alligators, which a friend mailed to her children as a big surprise in the 1930s.
With just pennies' worth of food, Grace made wonderful and comforting meals. Instead of measuring ingredients with cups or spoons, she weighed them with her hands. In a store of any kind she was a skilled huntress with X-ray vision and a wad of coupons, and no one of any age could keep up with her.
Despite financial hardship in her early years, and a lifelong habit of frugality, Grace traveled the world. In 1924 she and a girlfriend saved their money for a train trip from Pittsburgh to Chicago and points west. During their 46-year marriage, Grace and Wilbur often drove to Canada or the Outer Banks. Grace never boarded a plane until Wilbur died, but then she flew all over the United States and abroad. She also enjoyed cruises, and sailed until age 92. By then she had seen England, China, Japan, the Caribbean, and the Arctic Circle.
Grace Louise Parke was the only surviving daughter of Donald Columbus Parke and Elizabeth Kate Rahrle. Because her father moved around looking for work as a carpenter, Grace grew up in several towns in New York State (including Buffalo and Syracuse) as well as Ontario. The family eventually settled in New Brighton, Pennsylvania, where Grace met her beloved husband Wilbur Curtis McCullough. They married in 1925 and settled in Pittsburgh.
Grace knew everything about the natural world and about keeping a household on a small budget. Most of all, she knew how to create an unforgettably loving home for family, neighbors, friends, dogs, and even a couple of pet alligators, which a friend mailed to her children as a big surprise in the 1930s.
With just pennies' worth of food, Grace made wonderful and comforting meals. Instead of measuring ingredients with cups or spoons, she weighed them with her hands. In a store of any kind she was a skilled huntress with X-ray vision and a wad of coupons, and no one of any age could keep up with her.
Despite financial hardship in her early years, and a lifelong habit of frugality, Grace traveled the world. In 1924 she and a girlfriend saved their money for a train trip from Pittsburgh to Chicago and points west. During their 46-year marriage, Grace and Wilbur often drove to Canada or the Outer Banks. Grace never boarded a plane until Wilbur died, but then she flew all over the United States and abroad. She also enjoyed cruises, and sailed until age 92. By then she had seen England, China, Japan, the Caribbean, and the Arctic Circle.
Grace knew everything about the natural world and about keeping a household on a small budget. Most of all, she knew how to create an unforgettably loving home for family, neighbors, friends, dogs, and even a couple of pet alligators, which a friend mailed to her children as a big surprise in the 1930s.
With just pennies' worth of food, Grace made wonderful and comforting meals. Instead of measuring ingredients with cups or spoons, she weighed them with her hands. In a store of any kind she was a skilled huntress with X-ray vision and a wad of coupons, and no one of any age could keep up with her.
Despite financial hardship in her early years, and a lifelong habit of frugality, Grace traveled the world. In 1924 she and a girlfriend saved their money for a train trip from Pittsburgh to Chicago and points west. During their 46-year marriage, Grace and Wilbur often drove to Canada or the Outer Banks. Grace never boarded a plane until Wilbur died, but then she flew all over the United States and abroad. She also enjoyed cruises, and sailed until age 92. By then she had seen England, China, Japan, the Caribbean, and the Arctic Circle.
Family Members
See more McCullough or Parke memorials in:
- Allegheny County Memorial Park McCullough or Parke
- Allison Park McCullough or Parke
- Allegheny County McCullough or Parke
- Pennsylvania McCullough or Parke
- USA McCullough or Parke
- Find a Grave McCullough or Parke
