Emporia – Doreena Haydu Parson, 63, passed away Dec. 9, 2023 with her family by her side after a four year courageous battle with cancer.

Born in Yonkers, NY and raised in Southampton County, VA, Doreena was the daughter of the late William Haydu Sr. and Palma Desisto Haydu.   She was also predeceased by a brother, Carl Haydu.

Doreena was a 1980 graduate of Southampton High School and a member of the St. Jude Catholic Church.  She retired from Deerfield Correctional Center in 2022.  Doreena loved her family and grandchildren fiercely. She was an amazing grandmother, mother and wife. She always felt a day spent with her family, and her dog, Levi, was a perfect day.

Despite her illness, she always found joy in every single day. She always put others first, no matter what, especially her family and grandchildren. She loved the outdoors. The mountains and the beach were her happy place.  Doreena was the most kind, selfless person we know, and we were so lucky to have her in our lives.

Left to cherish her memory is her husband, Roger Parson; two sons, Scott (Brandy) and Luke (Katie); two stepdaughters, Amber Nicolio (Sean) and Audra Parson (Chelsea Wingate); a sister Linda Baugham (Vernon); two brothers, William Haydu Jr. (Pam) and Mark Haydu (Dena); five grandchildren, Cole Hewett, Breelyn Hewett, Huck Hewett, Ellison Nicolio and Wyatt Nicolio; several nieces and nephews; and her beloved German Shepherd, Levi.

A Memorial Mass will be celebrated at 11AM Saturday, December 16, 2023 in St. Jude Catholic Church with Fr. Emmanuel Mensah officiating. Pastor Shawn Smith will participate.  The family will receive friends one hour prior to the service in St. Jude Catholic Church and suggests that memorial donations be made to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital (800-608-3023).

www.wrightfuneralhome.org