Victoria Parr
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A Memorial Mass for Victoria Contreras Parr, 86, Lawrence will be held 10:00 a.m. Tuesday, April 10, 2012 at Corpus Christi Catholic Church in Lawrence, KS. Inurnment will be held 11 a.m. Saturday, April 21, 2012 at the Humeston Cemetery in Humeston, IA.
Vicky was born in Campbellton, Texas, on January 12, 1926 to Corina Contreras, Vicky attended public and parochial schools in Texas.
She was married in April 1944 in Corpus Christi, Texas, to Marvin Eugene Parr with whom she moved to his hometown, Humeston, Iowa, and spent the next 50+ years of her life. In 2002, she relocated to Lawrence in order to be closer to her family.
She was preceded in death by her husband Gene, her mother Corina Contreras Toscano, stepfather Seferino Toscano, Uncle Alfredo Contreras, who became her guardian following her mother’s early death.
She was a member of St. Francis Catholic Church of Corydon, Iowa, and the American Legion Auxiliary, as well as a library trustee for many years. She worked as a clerk and a seamstress while in Iowa. Her hobbies included golf, quilting, gardening and sewing and her passions were her family and her faith. One of the staples in her life in Iowa was her daily coffee group that endured through all her Humeston years. Among those in her coffee group was her sister-in-law Mary Vandell with whom she enjoyed a special friendship of nearly 70 years. She also spent quality time mending and refinishing old furniture with her brother-in-law Oliver Parr. Family gatherings with her in laws Chella and Miles Parr, Oliver and Mary, Dale, Linda, Jo and Ron Vandell were the source of much joy in her life.
Her son and only child David married Joan Farmer in 1968. This union was the beginning of a new chapter in her life. She truly adored her daughter-in-law, grandchildren and great grandchildren and cherished the extended family she gained in her marriage and in the marriages of her son and her grandchildren. She treasured her trips to her grandchildren’s colleges and homes in Princeton, NJ, Madison, WI, Chicago, IL, and San Leandro CA and numerous other trips with Joan and David. In 2000 she joined Joan and granddaughter Angie on a Caribbean cruise, a real highlight in her life.
After moving to Lawrence she met many new and wonderful friends. She enjoyed being in a larger city again, along with being able to shop and to drive to water aerobics classes only a few blocks from her home at Prairie Commons. She also enjoyed several trips to her son’s Lake of the Ozarks house to hang out, swim, boat and even once to take a jet ski ride with Jim Street, her surrogate son.
She is survived by a son David and his wife Joan, of Lawrence, grandson Matthew Parr and his wife Carrie, London, and granddaughter Angela Hicks and husband Bryant, San Leandro, CA, along with six great-grandchildren Beatrice, Luke, Wyatt, and Finn, London, and Khalil and Saniyya, San Leandro, half-sisters Teresa Reyes and Louisa Jimenez, and half-brother Felix Toscano. She set an example of grace and dignity in her treatment of others, and this approach to life drew people to her. Vicky leaves a host of loving relatives and friends whose lives she touched and who will miss her dearly.
Memorial contributions may be made in her name to the Humeston Public Library and may be sent in care of Warren-McElwain Mortuary.
oh how my heart is heavy yet happy that Vicki will now be with “neighbor” again. Vicki was such a part of our lives in Humeston. She and Gene will live on in our hearts and memories for a life time.
Robin, Tricia and Tom
Sending hugs and sincere sympathy to the Parr Family. Vicky was such a beautiful lady, inside and out. Robin and I will treasure our visit with her when we stopped a couple of years ago. She was a special friend to Mom and Dad and leaves behind so many who will treasure her memory.
Vickie was a great friend to my mother, Shirley, and was truly a great lady.
Dear Dave and family,
So sorry to learn of your mother’s death. I always thought the world of your mom, as did my mom, Betty Bailey. My father saw her fairly recently – Dave, your mom was one of the loveliest individuals I have ever known.
Love,
Carol and family
My prayers are with you and your family–it is so hard to say goodbye to someone we love. I will remember our talks, our prayers, and our laughter. She was full of life and joy and I learned so much from her. I am grateful to have known her, and I pray that your memories bring you comfort in the days to come.
My sympathy to you, David and Joan. Your mother’s obit well expressed the wonderful person she must have been. Hold onto the blessing of her life. May your memories bring you peace ahead.
Stan & I are so sorry to hear about your Mom. Our thoughts are with your family at this sad time.
Dave and Joan and family: My thoughts and prayers are with you. Vicky was a special lady. I have many fond memories of both your folks.
David and Joan,
Your mother and my mother, Lois Hullinger, were really good friends and neighbors in Humeston. Both special ladies who watched out for one another as well as many other lady friends. My mother passed away January 2007 and I think of her every day. Always loved going back to Humeston and seeing your mom and others. She was a blessing. My sympathy to you and your family. She was a special lady. Humeston has lost several great ladies!! God Bless!
Davey, Joan and Family – Vicky was as fantastic lady, I used to love seeing her as a kid when we came to Humeston and am so very glad I got to see her down at the lake. Her smile was infectious!
Janice – Yup that is how you talk. LOL!I love the picture of the city lhtigs. It makes me want to go there.You don’t even bother to help kuya Ryan.. just take his picture. haha lol!