Widow of Former Police Chief Parker Eulogized

GRANADA HILLS — Helen Amelia Parker, 91, widow of legendary Los Angeles Police Chief William H. Parker, was eulogized Wednesday as an unwavering supporter of law enforcement and animal rights.

Parker, who died Feb. 10 in Silver Lake, was memorialized during funeral services at Granada Hills Community Church.

LAPD Chief Bernard C. Parks described her as a woman who fiercely protected her husband’s privacy at home, even as he ran one of the nation’s largest police departments.

“If we have any success in our lives, it’s because someone is taking care of the home front while we make a career,” Parks said from the pulpit.

Former Chief Ed Davis, rank-and-file officers and relatives also attended Wednesday’s services, which were conducted by department chaplain Steve Hillmann.

Born Helen Amelia Schultz on Jan. 15, 1909 in Pennsylvania, Parker was 19 when she married rookie patrolman Bill Parker in 1928. The couple had no children. Parker supported her husband as he divided his time between policing and studying at Los Angeles College of Law, where he earned his law degree in 1930.

In August 1950, she immersed herself in her new role as “first lady of the LAPD.” Following her husband’s death from a heart attack July 16, 1966, Parker used memorial donations to create the Parker Foundation, which provides funding for police training not covered by city allocations.

Parker’s estate will be equally divided between the foundation and the city Department of Animal Regulation, said Sgt. Kieth W. Moreland of the police department’s employee assistance unit.

Parker is survived by a brother-in-law and several nieces and nephews.