Myrtle Elizabeth (Parker) McPherson

Myrtle Elizabeth (Parker) McPherson, 88, of Riverside, RI, passed away peacefully at the Hope Hospice Center in Providence, RI, on Sunday, July 9, 2023. Myrtle was the daughter of Charles L. Parker and Emma L. Dowding, but was raised by the late William R. and Doris M (Gabbi) Arnold of Riverside.

She is survived by her husband of 48 years William W. McPherson. She also leaves three daughters, Diane R. Selley of Riverside, Robyn E. Eannarino and her husband Paul of Riverside and Melissa L. Rescio and her husband Alex of Coventry, and three step-sons, Angus W. McPherson and his wife Gloria of Thomasville, North Carolina, Alexander F. McPherson and his wife Judith of Riverside and Andrew W. McPherson and his wife Heather of Marysville, WA., along with 15 grandchildren and 9 great grandchildren. In addition she leaves many nieces and nephews.

Myrtle was the sister of the late Evelyn (Parker) Butterworth and Jean E. (McPherson) Dougan of Greensboro, PA and Prudence Island, William R. Arnold and his wife Betsy of Berlin, VT, and David A. McPherson of Temple Hills, MD.

Myrtle was a graduate of East Providence High School. She worked for many years at Hospital Trust Bank and Bank of Boston.

Myrtle was very active in The Order of Rainbow for Girls, eventually holding the office of Worthy Advisor of Riverside Assembly #9. She was also a delegate to the Supreme Session of the International Order of Rainbow which was held in Atlantic City, NJ. She was also an active member and officer of Unity Chapter #9, Order of the Eastern Star.

She had been a member of St. Mark’s Episcopal Church in Riverside where she was very active with the Children’s Choir, the Adult Choir, Fellowship Group and as a Sunday School Teacher. She later became a member of the Riverside Congregation Church, UCC, of Riverside, participating as an Assistant Treasurer, Deacon, member of the church choir and the Voices of Praise Gospel Group, member of the Bell Choir, volunteer office secretary and helping to prepare and serve at the dinners put on by the Church. Anyone that knew Myrt, knew that after her family, her real passion was gardening. With her partner in crime, Priscilla O’Conner, they worked countless hours in the Church gardens and in the Sanctuary.

Myrtle was a lifetime East Providence resident, with a short 30 year period where she and Bill moved to Rehoboth, MA. There again her passion for her garden came to the fore and she devoted her time to planning and planting numerous plants and shrubs to adorn the “farm”. She loved the wildlife that frequented their property and was known to stand at the property line and hold conversations with the cattle next door. It was a bitter sweet moment when it was decided to move back to Riverside and she frequently asked to drive past the Rehoboth home to see how things might have changed.

Back in Riverside, she again undertook planting her gardens again, and she loved to sit on the front porch and look at them. Thanks to her three daughters who eventually had to take over the work for her, the garden reflected her life and gave her a sense of peace.

Myrtle will always be remembered for her humor, feistiness and ability to express her opinion.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to Hope Hospice of RI or the Riverside Congregational Church, UCC.