2024 House Resolution 308

Whereas, The members of this legislative body were deeply saddened to learn of the passing of Mary Ellen Parrott. She was a tireless advocate for her constituents in the Twenty-Sixth District, which included Macomb, Shelby, and Washington Townships and the cities of Utica and Sterling Heights. Her service to this state will not soon be forgotten; and

Whereas, Mary Ellen Parrott was an active member of her local community throughout her life. Born and raised in Michigan, she attended St. Lawrence High School in Utica and earned a degree in general studies from Oakland University. Before her election to the House of Representatives, she worked as the Shelby Township Treasurer from 1976 to 1980, served as a vice chairperson of the Southeastern Michigan Council of Governments, and was a member of the Business and Professional Women’s Club and the Macomb Child Guidance Clinic Board; and

Whereas, Upon her election to the House of Representatives in 1982, Mary Ellen became a passionate advocate for the environment, sponsoring bills to protect the Great Lakes, combat air pollution, and keep our water clean. She served as vice chair of the Constitutional Revision and Women’s Rights Committee and was a member of the committees on Conservation and Environment, House Policy, Mental Health, and Tourism and Recreation; and

Whereas, Following her term in the House of Representatives, Mary Ellen Parrott continued to serve her state in various roles. She began her tenure in the executive branch when she was appointed to a position in the Department of Mental Health by Governor Blanchard. Later, she went on to administer the Leaking Underground Storage Tank Program, which seeks to protect our groundwater from being polluted by petroleum products. From 1989 to 1990, Mary Ellen served as the tenth president of Women in Michigan State Government; and

Whereas, In later years, Mary Ellen Parrott refocused her attention on her local community. Continuing to show her dedication as a steward of the environment, Mary Ellen became an early leader in lake management and fish stocking, and she was a respected member of the Sage Lake Association. She served as the president and treasurer of the Association, mentored many members of the board, and volunteered for countless hours, further solidifying a legacy of public service and inspiring those around her to follow in her footsteps; and

Whereas, Mary Ellen is survived by her husband of 57 years, William Parrott; her children, Lyn LeBlanc and Barbara Wright; and her beloved grandson, Mitch LeBlanc. Her kindness and her desire to make the world a better place will live on in the countless hearts she touched; now, therefore, be it

Resolved by the House of Representatives, That we offer this expression of our highest tribute to honor the memory of Mary Ellen Parrott, member of the House of Representatives from 1983 to 1984; and be it further

Resolved, That copies of this resolution be transmitted to the Parrott family as evidence of our lasting esteem for her memory.