Theresa Colleen Parker

Theresa was my mom, my family, my friend, through good times and bad, we were always there for each other. These last few years, we endured a great deal of hardship. Mom lost her home in Texas, and I joined her in the search for another place to live. This journey became an adventure that strengthened the bond between us. We had almost given up hope when we arrived in Montana. We loved the beautiful countryside and the people who have been so wonderful. In Butte, we finally found our home. Tragically, Mom only spent a few short months here when a sudden illness led to her unexpected death. Theresa was born in Kansas, but grew up in southern California. There, her father designed jet propulsion engines for Lockheed while her mother, who studied at Juilliard, became an accomplished songwriter and pianist. As a young girl, Mom was a talented figure skater, performing in ice-skating shows and competitions. In high school, she won the American Legion Award for outstanding scholastic achievement. After graduating with honors, she attended UCLA where she studied architecture, art and interior design. A gifted artist, her work was admired by many art enthusiasts. Theresa and Norman Parker were married in California, residing in the San Francisco area where they started our family. Several years later we moved to Dad’s home state of Texas. Mom was proud to be a full-time wife and mother. I was grateful that she attended every school event in which I participated. Mom was also a part time architect, designing custom-built homes and commercial buildings from her home office. Although recognized for the ingenuity and quality of her designs, we appreciated her most for making our family her priority and always being there for us. Theresa began her career as a Structural Draftsman after I left for college. For over 20 years, she was a valued professional at H.K.S., a prestigious architectural firm in Dallas. Her high profile projects included the Dallas Cowboys Stadium, the Texas Children’s Hospital and the Lone Star Horse Racing Coliseum. One of the experts in computer aided design, she was honored in the book Pioneers in C.A.D.. She retired much respected and well loved by her fellow colleagues. Besides being a hard worker, she enjoyed a variety of past times and interests. Among these were horseback riding, hiking, swimming, playing golf, ice skating, playing tennis, sewing and playing piano. My parents had been married for over 50 years when my dad passed away. I am comforted by the belief that she joins him in the hereafter. I’ve been honored to be their daughter and thankful that part of them lives on in me. Words cannot fully express how much mom meant to all of us whose lives she touched. She made our world a better place and there is a painful emptiness now that she is gone. I will always cherish her memory, holding on to the love she gave me and the love I have for her.

Tributes

Theresa Colleen Parker

August 31, 1933 - November 19, 2021