Hersha Parady, best known for her role as Alice Garvey, the schoolteacher on "Little House on the Prairie," has passed away at the age of 78. Parady died in Norfolk, Virginia, at her son's home. Her son, Jonathan Peverall, confirmed her death through a GoFundMe page that had been set up to support her in her final days.
Peverall expressed that despite the challenges Parady faced due to a medical condition, she remained strong and resilient throughout. She had been battling a meningioma, a type of brain tumor, and had recently undergone surgery to partially remove it. However, she subsequently developed pneumonia while in a rehabilitation facility and spent weeks in intensive care before passing away.
Parady's portrayal of Alice Garvey on "Little House on the Prairie" spanned 33 episodes, beginning in 1977 and concluding in a two-hour episode in 1980. Her character's final episode depicted an attempt to save blind children from a burning building, resulting in her character's tragic demise.
Born as Betty Sandhoff, Parady later adopted the name Hershey, inspired by the chocolate bar, before her agent adjusted it to Hersha. She had a strong passion for acting since childhood and pursued her dreams despite initial challenges. In addition to her role in "Little House on the Prairie," Parady appeared in various TV shows and films, including "Bearcats!," "Mannix," "The Waltons," and several movies.
Parady was married to British film producer and director John Peverall, known for his contribution to the Oscar-winning film "The Deer Hunter." She is survived by her son, siblings, and other family members. Throughout her career, Parady touched the lives of many through her acting, and her impact will be remembered by her fans and loved ones.