Canandaigua — Karen L. Parkhurst, a longtime community advocate and former financial executive, died Dec. 4, 2025, following a brief illness. She was 82.
Parkhurst is remembered for her decades of professional leadership, volunteer service and advocacy for underprivileged communities across Ontario County and the Rochester region.
She is survived by her sister, Pamela Parkhurst; three children, Doris (James) Bugbee, Donna Groff–McNulty (Scott McNulty) and Robert S. (Rachel) Groff; six grandchildren, Ashley (Jeremy), BreAnna (Kevin), Robert M. (Katelynn), Karl (Saso), Joseph (Emily) and Jenna Karen; a great-grandson, Colton; her longtime companion, Russ Perrin; and her former husband, Bob (Linda) Groff, along with their children, Stephanie and Michael.
Parkhurst was born Aug. 28, 1943, in Chicago to Frank and Virginia (Moorehead) Parkhurst. She later earned a master’s degree in business administration from Roberts Wesleyan College.
She retired in 2015 as chief financial officer of New Energy Works after many years with the company. She also served as Finance Manager for New Energy Works of Rochester Inc. and Pioneer Millworks Inc.
Parkhurst was deeply involved in community service. She was a member and former president of the Victor–Farmington Rotary Club and received the Paul Harris Fellow award for her service. Through Rotary, she volunteered to support efforts in Third World countries and also worked with the Rochester City School District.
She was widely described as a champion for the underprivileged and earned numerous awards and recognition for her volunteer work. She also remained active in Ontario County government.
Parkhurst served on the Ontario County Economic Development Corp. beginning in 2012. She later served three years as board chair and was a longtime member of the Finance Committee.
Outside of her professional and civic work, Parkhurst enjoyed dancing, traveling, socializing with friends and spending time with her family.
Calling hours will be held Thursday, Dec. 11, from 4 to 7 p.m. at Johnson-Kennedy Funeral Home Inc., 47 N. Main St., Canandaigua. Her memorial service will be private.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the M.K. Gandhi Institute for Nonviolence, 929 Plymouth Ave., Rochester, NY 14608, or Bridges for Brain Injury Inc., 5760 Duke of Gloucester Way, Farmington, NY 14425. Condolences may be offered at www.johnsonkennedy.com.
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