I can't see the form or a perspective to gain a sense of height or anything, plus I'm not sure what zone you're in, so these are total guesses: campanula or a ruellia?

it's a tall woody shrub, this one is over 8 ft tall but has been very negleted for years. The flowers are very thick this year. We are in zone 6

just from looking at the flowers it looks like an azalea bush.

Im pretty sure its a big old Weigela bush, probably W. florida (thats its name, not necessarily its location :P)
Here are some other pictures and varieties:
http://www.naturehills.com/catalog/bushes_and_shrubs/weigela_shrubs.aspx

Yes! I agree it must be a Weigela too. It's something my mother planted years ago, (or had my father plant for her) and that name sounds familiar, and after looking at the pics on that link and others, the leaves and form match up. I've seen them at old farmhouses etc where they were I suppose once more popular. I'm debating about either heavy pruning or just removal as it's so overgrown, and not terribly attractive once the blooms are gone. (I suppose first the pruning then removal if need be. Thank you all!!

OH Weigelas are so lovely, and especially one that was planted by your Parental Units. It's a bit of biological history! :~)
Trim her back, Weigelas can take quite a bit of pruning back... Perhaps start at 50% of height this year followed by another next year? The Weigelas I have known are attractive for their naked forms as well as their flowered selves, perhaps you will find the same in this one.. (Not to mention the fact that you'll have a bit of your Mom's Garden to reflect upon)

>^,,^<