Dene Ann Parker, 79
Dene Ann Parker, beloved mother, Nana, and friend, went to be with her Lord and Savior on Friday, Jan. 27, 2012. This retired school teacher "left to go home forever" on a Friday afternoon at 3:30 p.m. Dene Ann was born Aug. 18, 1932, in Fresno, Calif., to Dick and Nadine (Barrack) Parker.
She graduated from Roosevelt High School in 1950 and continued her education to receive her bachelor's and master's degrees from Stanford University. In college she was a member of Kappa Alpha Theta sorority and played the cello in a string trio for parties. She later continued to play the cello in the Fresno Philharmonic Orchestra until the demands of being a single working mom and caring for an aging mother left her little time. Later in life she renewed her love of music by playing the piano. She especially enjoyed playing Christmas music for others at gatherings. As a social studies teacher for 35 years (Cooper and Kings Canyon Junior High Schools) she was passionate about her country and the privileges we have as an American citizen. She shared that love with eighth graders while unveiling the treasures of our Constitution and what rights meant to them as citizens of the United States. She was known to tell her students, "If you don't understand something, come and see me after school." As a proud resident of the San Joaquin Valley, she was involved with programs like "Ag in the Classroom," as well as volunteering as an official greeter at the "Big Fresno County Fair" for almost 20 years. She had a tender heart for students with special needs and always made sure they were well taken care of during their visits to fairgrounds.
Dene Ann was a member of St. Mary's Anglican Church since 1960. She worked to serve those within the parish through phone calls, flowers, The Sunshine Committee and pastor appreciation weeks. She was a primary organizer of their 50-year Celebration and worked to keep their traditions important and history pertinent to now. She was a cheerleader for single moms. Her dedication for young people manifested itself in financial support for summer camps and youth trips. Her church was like a second family.
Dene Ann had many circles of friendships that have lasted for decades. Many were traveling companions with whom this lifelong learner traveled the world. We were all blessed by her prayers and encouragement. Dene Ann enjoyed knitting, road trips, story telling, reading, lunches out and getting the sun up every morning. There was never a stranger she couldn't befriend or a stray cat she wouldn't feed. She made us laugh. She beat us at Scrabble. Our mother was feisty and forever young. Her greatest joy was being "The best nana in the universe." She will be missed but we have the blessed hope of being reunited one day in Glory!
She is survived by a daughter, Bethann Parker Heisey, of Coeur d'Alene, along with her husband, Joel Heisey and their two children, Parker and Ellie Heisey. She is also survived by a son, Jeff Parker, of Seattle, along with his wife Sharon Parker and their son, Noah.
The family would like to express a heartfelt thanks to the third floor staff at Kootenai Medical Center who cared for our mother with patience, professionalism and compassion.
A celebration of life service will be held at 3 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 11, 2012, at Emmanuel Baptist Church, 3115 N. 15th St., Coeur d'Alene.
In lieu of flowers, please send donations to Shriner's Children's Hospital.
Please sign Dene Ann's guest registry and view online memorial at www.englishfuneralchapel.com.