Upon the death of a member prior to retirement who was a member continuously for not less than 10 years immediately prior to his death, who is survived by one or both parents, if no death benefit is paid to any one pursuant to Section 31781 other than the member’s widow, widower, or children, such parent, or both of such parents shall each be entitled to a monthly survivor’s allowance equal to the sum, based upon the member’s compensation at the time of his death, specified in Section 31849.