Jeanne Parrish of Barrington, a professional ice skater in the 1960s, was since 1982 a figure-skating coach and visiting pro at several north and northwest suburban ice rinks.
Mrs. Parrish, a Chicago native, died Monday at home.
Mrs. Parrish received a silver medal in freestyle and figure skating from the U.S. Figure Skating Association in 1962 after passing tests that qualified her for international competition. She skated professionally with the Ice Follies in the United States in 1963 and with Holiday on Ice in Europe in 1964 and 1965.
More recently, she coached at the Glenview Ice Center, Twin Rinks Ice Pavilion in Buffalo Grove, Crystal Ice House in Crystal Lake and at the old Barrington ice rink.
“She was an excellent coach,” said Kathy Brickman, a skating coordinator at the Glenview Ice Center. “She was the most kind-hearted lady. She was willing to help anyone. She was always bubbly with a smile, always positive.”
“Everyone here loved her,” said Kim Sell, director of figure skating at the Crystal Ice House. “She was very well thought of professionally because of the kids she coached who went very far in testing and competition. She never had a bad thing to say about anyone.”
“She was a very talented, very creative individual,” said her sister, Carole Medal. “She loved being a mother, and she loved ice skating.”
Other survivors include her husband of 37 years, James; five daughters, Kirsten Considine, Melanie, Laura, Julie and Jennifer; and two sons, Stephen and David.
Services will be at 2 p.m. Saturday at Stirlen-Pieper & Davenport Funeral Home, 149 W. Main St., Barrington.
