SARATOGA SPRINGS — Anne Elizabeth Binns Parks, 66, of Greenfield Center, journeyed gracefully to heaven on Saturday, September 14.
Anne was born in her cherished Burton-On-Trent, England to parents Fredrick and Dorothy Binns who were her inspiration and encouraged her love of writing and art. Anne graduated from several art schools in England and continued her passion through her many creative endeavors in pottery, basketry, writing, painting, knitting and sewing. Her most proud artistic venture was the creation with her husband, of OriginaliTees silk screening business. Anne spent 40 years designing and growing a hometown business and cherished the many professional relationships she made within the community.
It was with her charming husband Robert of 44 years , Anne felt most at peace, spending time on sandy beaches in Del Mar, California or the shores of Wales, where the changing tides and salt air refreshed her soul and spirit. Her daughter Sarah Jayne Parks Mercier (Ken Mercier) of Ballston Spa will forever cherish her strength, grace, beauty, sense of adventure, humor and spiritual prowess.
She was the inspiration to her grandchildren Evan and Alexander Mercier of Ballston Spa who she taught the magic, peace and solace one finds in nature as well as the love of baking. In return she was inspired by their dedication to bring joy to others through their environmental and culinary explorations.
She touched special friends and extended family Kirsten Reiner, Jason Tarbay, Todd Hutson and sister-in –law Christine Marcotte (Joseph Marcotte Sr. and Joseph Marcotte Jr.), neighbors Gail and Gary Wood with her quick wit, English delicacies and comedy, encouragement and life musings.
The family would like to extend deepest gratitude to the staff of Saratoga Hospitals A-3 floor, and Drs. Delmonte, Liebers and Bell who cared compassionately for Anne and her family during the past few months. The comfort, kindness and peace shared by sister-in-law Mary Louis Cole (Fred, Megan and Maria Cole), Carol Vaughn and Katherine Scharff during these last days will be a forever treasured gift.
Rather than calling hours or services, the family encourages you to celebrate life by enjoying nature. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Waldorf School of Saratoga Springs (WSSS) – Rainy Day Fund at 122 Regent Street .
“Perhaps this is the most important thing for me to take back from beach-living: simply the memory that each cycle of the tide is valid; each cycle of the wave is valid; each cycle of a relationship is valid. And my shells? I can sweep them all into my pocket. They are only there to remind me that the sea recedes and returns eternally.” ― Anne Morrow Lindbergh, “Gift from the Sea.”
