Obituaries
Teaneck Mayor Lizette Parker, 44, Dies After Suffering From 'Respiratory Issues' Sunday, Town Says
She was taken to Holy Name Hospital Sunday, said Town Manager William Broughton, Parker had suffered from cancer, one report said.
TEANECK, N.J. — Mayor Lizette Parker, 44, died after she was taken to Holy Name Hospital Sunday due to "respiratory issues," said Township Manager William Broughton.
Parker died Sunday morning, Broughton said in a notice on the township's website.
"The Teaneck Township Council, township manager, and employees would like to express their deepest and most sincere condolences to the Parker family," the notice said. "Mayor Parker was a strong leader, public advocate, and a consummate professional, who was greatly respected by her colleagues and the community. Her love, presences and sincerity will be sorely missed in township government and in the community."
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Parker's family requested that the public respect their privacy "at this most difficult time."
Teaneck's Deputy Mayor Elie Katz will immediately assume all the duties of the mayor's office. All township flags will fly at half-staff in Parker's honor.
Find out what's happening in Teaneckfor free with the latest updates from Patch.
Funeral arrangements will be announced in the coming days, the township said.
Bergen County spokesman Michael Pagan, who is also running for council seat in Teaneck, said on a Facebook post that he was “heartbroken” to learn of Parker’s passing.
“She was a dedicated public servant who loved her family, loved her constituents and loved Teaneck. She was a friend and an inspiring role model to us all, and will be dearly missed,” Pagan said. “This loss will be felt throughout Teaneck, Bergen County and all of New Jersey for years to come. My thoughts and prayers are with her and her family during this difficult time. We will always carry you in our hearts, Lizette. We love you. RIP.”
Related: Friends, Colleagues Shocked, Saddened By Teaneck Mayor's Death Sunday
Parker had previously suffered from cancer, NJ.com reported.
Parker was the township’s first ever African-American female mayor, The Record reported.
People expressed their thoughts on Parker and the impact she made on their lives on social media Sunday.
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Lizette Parker/Township of Teaneck website
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