Jill Parrish

Jill Marie (Sweeney) Parrish, age 48, passed away, unexpectedly, Tuesday, March 5, 2019 at Riverside Hospital. Preceded in death by: Brother: Timothy "Baby Pat" Sweeney. Special aunt: Martha "Aunt Rath" Ingram. Survived by: Husband: Matt. Children: Casey, Kennedy, Connor and Corbin. Parents: Tim and Carol Sweeney. Brother: Brady Sweeney. Father and mother in law: Norm and Judy Parrish. Numerous other family and friends. 

We will never do justice in describing the impact that Jill had on so many in her short time on this earth. She truly was a unique soul who left a lasting impression on everyone she met. There was no one else like her. Simply gorgeous, inside and out. 

Jill was so many things to so many people: Fiercely protective mama bear, loving and devoted wife, daughter, and sister, fashionista, amazing cook, interior designer extraordinaire, loyal friend, cheerleader, comedian, counselor, etc., etc.

Why did you leave us so soon? You were supposed to grow old with Matt, have grand kids to spoil, and travel the country in an RV in retirement. As crazy as it sounds you were the voice of reason for so many people because you always said what you truly felt. You kept everyone grounded. You’ll never know how much your family would brag about you!! Your children are who they are because of you. Casey is a mini you in so many ways; mischievous, funny, and a protector. Kennedy has the strength of a mountain, your wit, and your accepting love for all. Connor is a protector and has compassion for everyone, your wry sense of humor, and always calls things like he sees it. “Baby Bear” Corbin has your charm, sense of humor, and loyalty for friends.  Although we still can’t believe you’re gone we see you in each of your children. They are your greatest accomplishment and you will continue to live on through the lives they touch. Watch over them and keep them safe. To the many other kids who knew her like a mother, Michael, Spence, Lydia and Gabrielle, she considered you part of the family and she loved you dearly.

Jill was a proud Liberty Patriot, St. Joan, OYAA, and Surge mom, who cheered for everyone’s kid like they were her own. She took her wardrobe seriously and had more “bling” hats bedazzled with team names than anyone could possibly wear. And don’t be that parent of the opposing team in the stands who said anything bad about ANY of the kids, hers or not, or an evil stare was cast your way and it may be followed with some West Side language. She truly loved your kids like no other and would do anything for any of them. 

Jill was devoted to her family which was extremely large due to her Irish Catholic roots - The Sweeney’s and The Parrish’s alike. She revered her Mother Carol and admired her Patriot father Tim like no other. Her brother “Baby Pat” was taken way too soon and her brother Brady was constantly on her mind. She was his fiercest advocate. She was always quick to mention her numerous Aunts, Uncles, and Cousins and the great things they were accomplishing. Jill was like a second daughter to her in-laws Norm and Judy. Paul and Amy, Ryan and Amy, and Julie and Gregg were more like siblings than siblings-in-laws. Jill was a regular fixture at family events even before marriage. Matt’s Aunt Barbie and her were like sisters and the reason she met Matt so many years ago. Donny and Bill kept a watchful eye on her and Aunts Shel Shel, Pam, and Katie provided guidance. Special friends John and Jen, Rich and Lauri, and Matt and Nina meant the world to her and were always present for special occasions. Most recently she had become close with Barb and Pam who were always available to help her out with anything. The friendship and experience of Connor’s senior year in football were some really great times that she cherished. JJ and Tracey, Scott and Jen, Fred and Danielle, Nicole and William; it meant the world to share that time with you.

She was proud of her Irish heritage and West Side roots. She would tell people she went to Ready like it was Harvard and be shocked when they had never heard of her small Catholic school. She looked forward to visiting her old stomping grounds and picking up Minnelli’s pizza and fried rice and egg rolls from Ding-Ho. She was known by first name at thrift stores throughout the city and loved, loved, loved working at Goodwill. She called her customers and co-workers friends … probably because she could get dibs on the “good stuff”. 

Jill had so many friends and partners in crime. She was an amazing planner and was always at the center of every party. Casey’s first word was Target and Nina and Lauri were her best shopping buddies when the kids were younger. The early days in BBF were amazing and she and Matt made long lasting friends as their kids grew up together at what were referred to as “play dates”. The Porter’s, Camella’s, Istnick’s, Blaine’s, Bird’s, Pomorskis, Rolf’s, Bagley’s, Shelley’s, Kadlic’s, Kovalcik’s, Migliori’s, Piero’s, Gresock’s, Kuhl’s, Perrine’s, Lane’s, and many more I know we have forgotten to mention hold a special place in our family’s heart. Know that you and your families were all very special to Jill.   

Jill was a dog lover. Her childhood dog Cosby, her first fur baby Sebastian, and most recently the love of her life Sweeney. Jill would say Sweeney was special and he truly was. He was always by her side and kept her company as the kids moved on. She loved their walks and his silly antics even though she would complain on FB. He was her best furry friend. But just so we are clear, she HATED cats.

It’s easy to see that Jill was somewhat of a Facebook celebrity. We will miss Jill’s daily Facebook posts. Sometimes touching and sometimes funny but always witty and refreshingly posted without a filter. Jill told it like it was.

She was one of the funniest people. In person her witty comebacks were always followed by her mischievous grin. We will miss that grin. The joy she took in making you smile was just who she was. Many of us shared her love of 80’s music, dancing, and movies – especially the movies where someone looks after the underdog, because that was her nature. Netflix was invented for Jill even though she never understood how the internet worked and really didn’t care.

It’s no wonder that Jill’s favorite movies were The Green Mile, The Blind Side, Shawshank Redemption, and Elf. She was the ultimate protector and fixer. She would insert herself whenever she felt someone needed her (even if she shouldn’t.) She would take the blame and carry others pain. Jill could not stand to see anyone suffer because she was the strongest, most compassionate, most loyal, non-judgmental person we knew.  

She was from a fire family and married into the fire family. She loved CFD, especially the class of 1992 and the guys at 12’s and 17’s. Many of her classmates from Ready were CFD or CPD and she was their greatest supporter, especially Bill and Richie. She not only felt their pain but tried to carry it and absorb it so that they could help others who needed it more. 

So many have asked what they can do. We would like to honor Jill by asking for donations to be made to the Columbus Firefighters Charitable Foundation in lieu of flowers or food. This will be used to support first responders’ mental health and wellness. The hope is to help fund emotional support dogs for first responders because we know how much Jill loved dogs. If she could pick, we all know it would be a golden retriever that looks just like Sweeney.

Jill, we know you are resting peacefully in Heaven, and probably up to a little no-good. You will truly be missed and we will love you forever and always.

Friends may call at JERRY SPEARS FUNERAL HOME with CREMATORY, 2693 W. Broad St., Sunday, 1-3 and 5-7 PM. Funeral service will be Monday, 11:00 AM at St. Joan of Arc Catholic Church, 10700 Liberty Rd, Powell, OH, 43065. In lieu of flowers and food donations, the family has asked that donations be made to The Columbus Firefighters Foundation, 379 W. Broad St., Columbus, OH, 43215, or visit their website at https://columbusfirefightersfoundation.com/ 

To send flowers to the family, please visit our floral store.