In honor of the retirement of Mary Parlin, after 42 years as editor of the West Nebraska Catholic magazine and former editor of the West Nebraska Register, an open house will be from 2 to 4 p.m. Wednesday, June 15, at 2810 Old Fair Road, Grand Island.
Parlin began her career with the West Nebraska Register in Feburary 1980 working part time as a typesetter and secretary. She later began working full time and was named advertising/business manager. In 1984, the Register offices were moved to 804 W. Division and in 1990, began the use of computers. Two years later, she and Marilyn Zastrow were named as co-editors, the first lay editors for the paper bringing the number of female Catholic editors in the country to 10 that year. In 1998, she became chief editor of the newspaper until May 2020 when Bishop Joseph Hanefeldt replaced the newspaper with the West Nebraska Catholic magazine. She has been the editor of the magazine since its creation.
Parlin lives in Wood River with her husband, David, where they are members of St. Mary’s Church in Wood River. She has two sons, Darren and Lance, a daughter, Lisa, and seven grandchildren.
Cards may be sent to her at PO Box 605, Wood River NE 68883.