Ellen Speiden Parham died Monday Feb. 13.

Parham earned a bachelor of sciences from Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University in 1960, a PhD in nutrition from the University of Texas in 1968, a master’s in counseling from NIU in the 80s and was the coordinator of NIU’s nutrition, dietetics and hospitality administration program until her retirement in 2003.

Parham had a deep interest in social life and nutrition, with special emphasis on how society treats varied body sizes and the effect that has on women’s mental health.

Before and after her retirement, Parham worked as a licensed professional counselor at the DeKalb Family Service Agency.

Parham sat as the interim chair of the School of Allied Health Professionals in 2005 and coordinator for the Illinois Homeland Security Education Alliance in 2007.

Working as an adult literacy instructor was one of Parham’s post-retirement volunteer hobbies.

In addition to her academic contributions, Parham worked avidly as an artist with original silk paintings. She also sold accessories through a business started with her daughter.

In 1989, Parham published a short creative writing story titled, “A Small Debt Easily Paid” in DeKalb County Magazine.

Throughout her time in DeKalb, Parham contributed art, knowledge and time to the city and people she loved.