Bakersfield California - 9/20/2011

Elsie Mae Stormont-Parmelee-Lowman passed away on September 18, 2011.

She was born on February 13, 1922 in Bakersfield, CA.

Elsie was oldest of twelve children. She married her high school sweetheart, William George Parmelee in 1941. He served in the military as a boiler maker during World War II, returned home and worked for Santa Fe Railroad, then Arco Oil until he retired.

After his death in 1980 she met National Geographic Photographer, Hubert Lowman at church in Arroyo Grande and married him in 1992. Following his death in 2006, she lived in her home at the Grandmothers Park in Arroyo Grande.

She returned to Bakersfield in 2009 and enjoyed life at Carriage House Estates and then Glenwood Gardens. Elsie worked at Kress' Five and Dime, and many years as the seamstress for Elyse Dress Shop and Judds Specialty Shop.

Elsie enjoyed singing. She belonged to various clubs and organizations including Native Daughters of the Golden West, Grandmothers Clubs in Bakersfield and Arroyo Grande and Goldenaires. She loved to travel and visited England, Ireland, Alaska, Hawaii, Australia and much of the U.S.

Her trademark fashion sense and personal style will always be remembered. She was loving and giving and her perpetual smile and generous spirit will be missed by all who knew her.

Elsie was preceded in death by her first husband, Bill Parmelee; her second husband, Hubert Lowman; her son, Billy Parmelee; and her granddaughter, Kimmie Parmelee; her parents, Walter Stormont and Elsie Stormont; and her brothers: Jim Stormont, Sam Stormont, Gilbert Stormont, Ted Stormont, and Dick Stormont.

She is survived by her children: Bob Parmelee (Caryn), Dick Parmelee (Marjorie), and John Parmelee (Teresa); her grandchildren: Christopher Parmelee, Robyn Parmelee, and Cole Parmelee; her brother, John Stormont; her sisters: Esther Chapman, Joy Bircher (Ray), Jean Towne (Don), Lydia Belle Carl, and Barbara Jane Lewis; and many nieces and nephews.

A special thanks to Glenwood Gardens for all the care and love she received, and her wonderful doctor, Dr. Florencio E. Pangilinan Jr., MD.

The memorial services and the graveside internment will be held at Hillcrest Memorial Park & Mortuary.