Laura M. Bodger
Laura M. Bodger, 94, of Anna Maria and Glenwood, Minnesota, died Dec, 24, 2024.
She was born May 3, 1930, on her family’s farm in Glenwood. She was the last to survive her family of 10 siblings.
She was a beautiful soul and always took care of others first. She used her gift of humor to make sure everyone was happy and had a good meal from her caring hands.
She had a talent in China painting and most everyone who knew her has a hand-painted treasure. She painted many Christmas ornaments for her family and friends and our Christmas trees will forever be adorned by her love.
She loved sports and especially football.
A celebration of her life will be held April 26 at St. Luke’s Lutheran Church, Bloomington, Minnesota. Memorials may be made to a favorite charity.
Mrs. Bodger is survived by her children, Linda Eidem, John and wife Cathy Neily, Ann and Mary and husband Mike Novacek; grandchildren Jeff and wife Suzanne Eidem, Jay and wife Jessica Eidem, Jana and husband Dean Cornelius, Ross, Andrew, Krista Russell and husband Liam, Zachary Russell and James DeLeary; great-grandchildren Fisher, Heidi, Henry, Will, Wyatt and Piper; step-great-grandchildren Maggie, Gussie, Ollie, Loren and Lillian; many nieces, nephews and friends.
She loved the family dogs, especially at her farm. Dozzer, Cimmy, Diggs, Bug, Callie, Kody, Wally, Swagger, Moose, Ruby, Bear and Butters will all miss her treats.
James Nicholas McParland
James “Jim” Nicholas McParland, 85, of Holmes Beach died Jan. 8.
HE was born July 24, 1939, in Boston to James and Hannah McParland. The majority of his childhood was spent in Jamaica Plains just outside Boston making many lifelong friends. He loved sharing stories of their shenanigans and his experiences as an A student.
He married the love his life, Lee, on Dec. 14, 1968, and they settled in Cheshire, Conecticut, where they raised their children and built their dream home.
The time in Cheshire was highlighted by many friendships. He and Lee raised their family with love, hard work, joy and dedication to the community. They were longtime members of the Farms Country Club in Wallingford, Connecticut, where he enjoyed regular golf matches and made yet more friends.
He had a remarkable career and was proud of his work, providing a better life for working people as business agent, financial secretary treasurer and executive director of the benefit funds for the International Union of Operating Engineers Local 478 in Hamden, Connecticut.
He spent the last years of his career as executive director of the Connecticut Coalition of Taft-Hartley Health Funds. He was known as an innovative labor leader and was instrumental in the adoption of one of the first project labor agreements in Connecticut and multi-trade health care coalitions, which continue today to make an impact for millions of union families across America.
He and Lee spent the last 17 years in retirement on Anna Maria Island where he was proud to call paradise home and share it with family and friends.
He continued his passion for golf in Florida, where he was a member of IMG Academy Golf Club and the Key Royale Club.
He enjoyed a constant flow of visitors and loved sharing the beautiful beaches, great people and incredible sunsets on AMI.
He touched countless lives with his wisdom, quick wit, incredible storytelling, endless flow of jokes, and unwavering love of his family.
Jim’s family would like to thank everyone for their support through this difficult time.
His biggest joy was spending time with his family.
The family asks that memorial donations be made to Roser Food Pantry at roserchurch.com or Hope After Loss at hopeafterloss.org/. Brown & Sons Funeral Homes & Crematory, Bradenton, is in charge of arrangements.
Mr. McParland is survived by his wife of 56 years, Lee; daughter Keri and son-in-law Brian Whiting of Victoria, British Columbia; son Nick and daughter-in-law Ginny of Madison, Connecticutl grandchildren, Liam, Jameson and Camryn; sister Margaret Paeth; brother-in-law Tom Flaherty; sister-in-law Barbara Cole and her husband Herb; brother-in-law Alan Rugman; and brother-in-law John Rugman and his wife Nancy; and many nieces and nephews.