Carmen Claire Parnell

Carmen Claire (Dolbec) Parnell died peacefully in her sleep at home, surrounded by her beloved family, July 1, 2022. Carmen spent her career in healthcare, first as a Licensed Practical Nurse and became a Registered Nurse in 1980 after earning her Bachelor of Nursing while working full time and raising her family. She was a consummate caregiver who worked in a hospital setting for more than 50 years. Her career in nursing began at Sacred Heart Hospital, where she worked in Labor and Delivery. When Catholic Medical Center absorbed Sacred Heart, she worked with them until moving to the Elliot Hospital, where she worked for five years before transitioning to Interim Health Care, where she worked full time caring for children with special needs. 

This change in career from hospital to home-health care suited Carmen, as she loved babies. She had five children, twelve grandchildren, and nine great-grandchildren; one of whom, Lilliana, greeted her in Heaven. Her desire to care and love was evident in her career choice, and her desire to care continued with her family. She loved her family. Carmen was a great listener and always had a shoulder to lend for those who needed love and support, and if there was a baby in the room, she would be holding it.

When you went over Mom's/Grammy's house she was always happy to see you, and her granddaughter Megan said it best, "When you showed up at Grammy's, she greeted you like she was expecting you and had been waiting all day for you." Before her illness, she loved to cook and entertain. John and Carmen's pool parties were legendary, as they loved to have a good time and surround themselves with friends and family. Her daughter Judy said it best, "If you left mom and dad's house hungry, it was your own fault." 

Besides her direct family, Carmen was an aunt to many. She had nieces and nephews in Michigan, Indiana, Ohio, Florida, Maine, Texas, and California who not only called her Aunty Carm, but many also considered her a second mother. She would be available any time day or night to listen and counsel anyone who needed a soul to guide them. Her loss will be felt by hundreds because she touched so many lives on so many levels. 

The one who will feel Carmen's loss the most is her husband John; they were married for 65 years. They shared a deeply committed connection, and their relationship set a standard of love for those who shared their lives, which was evident in the way they cared for one another, spoke to one another, and looked after each other. Mom and dad disagreed, had words, made up, forgave and forgot. They taught their family it was okay to disagree, because even in their differences, they never stopped loving one another. Their love is eternal.  

John, Wendy, Lynda, Michael, Judy and Tom would like to thank the caregivers who showed mom so much compassion and allowed her to remain at home with dignity surrounded by love until the end. Thank you, Matt, Diane, Heidi and Carmita. 

She is survived by her husband John W. Parnell, Jr. of Goffstown, three daughters, Wendy Uzarek of Goffstown, Lynda Cushing and her husband Ed Murphy of Merrimack, Judith Dionne and her husband Jeff Dionne of Candia, two sons, Michael Parnell of Goffstown, and Thomas Parnell and his partner Lori Pelletier of Concord. Twelve grandchildren, Kristi Felch, Stephanie Gimas, Benjamin Cushing, Megan Parnell, David Gimas, Colby Dionne, Madison Dionne, Emily Parnell, Eric Parnell, Kaley Poulicakos, April Mason, and Kauleen Blackington. Four siblings, Madeleline Parsons, Mary Kirouac, Anne Blais, and Catherine Dolbec. She was predeceased by her beloved mother Emilienne (Couillard) Dolbec-Rousseau, father Raymond Dolbec, brother Paul Dolbec, and her great-granddaughter Lillian Grace Gimas. 

 A memorial gathering will take place Friday, July 8, at Phaneuf Funeral Home, 243 Hanover Street, Manchester, NH beginning at 1pm, with a memorial service to follow at 2:30pm. Interment will be held at a later date at the discretion of the family.

In lieu of flowers, please make donations to the Pediatric Oncology Unit at Children's Hospital Dartmouth New Hampshire (CHaD).