Obituary of Rev. Mary Lucille "Lucy" Parsons Alonzo

Reverend Mary Lucille (Lucy) Parsons Alonzo, born June 8, 1937, in Short Hills, New Jersey, peacefully passed away on December 13, 2023. Preceded in death by her husband Daniel Arthur Alonzo, parents Joseph Lester, Jr. & Mary Louise Parsons, siblings Joseph Lester Parsons, III, Margot Meyers, and a grandson. Survived by her children Sarah deForest Bohrer, Stephen Kress Bohrer, Elizabeth Love Flanagan (Michael), stepchildren Barbara Ann Alonzo, Michael Douglas Alonzo, five grandchildren, and two great-granddaughters.

Lucy earned a Bachelor of Science degree from Vassar College, where she graduated with honors and a Phi Beta Kappa key. She received advanced degrees from the University of Rochester and Colgate Rochester Divinity School. She began her career as a chemistry teacher at Rochester’s West High School. She later transitioned to the New York State Health Department where she earned honors for her dedication, receiving the NYS Department of Health Commissioner’s Recognition Award in tuberculosis control.

A lifelong volunteer, Lucy devoted her time to organizations such as Penfield Emergency Ambulance Service, earning the Penfield Volunteer Ambulance Outstanding Service Award in 1984. Her commitment extended to the National Ski Patrol, Girl Scouts, Boy Scouts, Sea Scouts and many church activities in the Episcopal Diocese of Rochester: Sunday school teacher, educational director, vestry member, and youth group organizer. In 1991 she was ordained as an
Episcopal deacon and assigned to Christ Church, Rochester, where she was a driving force behind programs like “A Meal and More” and refugee resettlement.

Her passion for community service garnered accolades, including the South Sudanese Community Inc. award for Outstanding Community & Leadership Services in 2007 and the Volunteer Recognition Award from the Rochester Area Interfaith Hospitality Network (Family Promise of Greater Rochester). 

Continuing her service as a deacon at the Church of the Ascension in Charlotte, Lucy played a pivotal role in their refugee program and volunteered at the Catholic Family Center in Rochester. As part of her volunteer work there she learned computer coding and completely renovated their database, streamlining the refugee intake process. Recognized with the Rochester Area Administrators of Volunteer Services Carol Ritter Award in 2009, and voted “Volunteer of the Year” in 2019, Lucy's unwavering dedication left an indelible mark.

Guided by faith, Lucy exemplified a profound willingness to volunteer, embodying the spirit of one of her avorite songs: "Here I Am Lord" by John Michael Talbot. Her impact on the world is immeasurable, and we are grateful for the privilege of knowing Lucy.

A Celebration of Life service will be held at Christ Church, 141 East Avenue, Rochester, NY, on February 3rd, 2024, at 1:05pm. In lieu of flowers, donations to A Meal and More, Inc; Family Promise of Greater Rochester; or Catholic Charities Family and Community Services (refugee department) are welcomed as a tribute to her enduring legacy.