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Barbara Parker Obituary

Barbara Parker started writing an adventure story as a way to amuse her young son and as a break from her career as an attorney. Instead, Parker found a new calling, giving up her law practice to eventually write 12 mystery novels. Parker, 62, of Lauderdale-by-the-Sea, died Saturday morning surrounded by her family at the Hospice By The Sea in Boca Raton after a long illness.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by Sun-Sentinel from Mar. 7 to May 12, 2009.

Memories and Condolences
for Barbara Parker

52 Entries

Carolyn Fox Lambert

February 24, 2024

Ms. Laura, I'm taking you back a number of years in Ft.Myers. We worked together at the Allen Knudsen law firm...Carolyn Fox Lambert. Just read Barbara's Suspicion of Madness and loved it. When I saw that you did the artwork, had to try and reach you. Hope all is well with you and hope to hear from you.

July 1, 2016

I just discovered that Barbara had passed away. I met her several times at book festivals in the Keys, at the old "Hooked on Books" store at our book club in Islamorada, and on Little Palm Island where she was researching for a new book, just after 911. She was there with her sister and they asked to see our cottage and there on my bedside table was her book, "Suspicion of Vengence" which she of course signed.
I was hoping to catch up on the Gail/Anthony series which I loved and was saddened to hear of her untimely death. Wonder how she would feel about the recent events in Cuba?
Sincerely,
Ellen Manwaring

heather Daniels

April 11, 2015

I'm not a personal friend as most people have stated but she changed my thoughts on rights and justice. I have laid awake at night thinking of her writings. Sadly have only recently realized she had passed. I hold my candle and light it with the peace of God! God bless her family and her beloved son.

heather Daniels

April 11, 2015

I have recently discovered and have been inspired by the writings of your mother. Her novel suspicion of rage has inspired my soul. I dream of a free Cuba and being a us citizen feel as the saying goes maybe one person can help. I offer my condolences. In her bio she loved you with all her heart. I will pass her passion on to my own children. God bless you!

Gale Fulton

April 4, 2013

i still miss Barbaras novels-Gail & Anthonys story will go unfinished. She was one of a kind.

Janet Antal

March 1, 2011

Barbara has been an inspiration to me for many years. I read all of her books and she is my favorite author of all time. She will be sadly missed.

cathy taylor

September 14, 2010

Such a wonderful and talented individual taken much too soon. Will miss her brand of writing as her books keep you enthralled from cover to cover as "Suspicion of Vengence" did recently. Only wish I had discovered her books sooner as I would have enjoyed conversing with her by email. Blessing to her family.

Barbara McAllister

August 12, 2010

I just learned of Barbara Parker's death. I have read most of her novels; the last being "The Dark of Day". When I opened the book and saw "In Memoriam" I was devastated; I couldn't believe she was not with us anymore. She was my favorite author and had an incredible talent. I was a legal secretary and could identify with everything she wrote. Once I started one of her books, I was hooked. I read 'til I couldn't focus anymore. I want to express my sincere condolences to her family. What a terrible loss to her family and to mankind.

Valerie Treichel

August 4, 2009

I love Barbara Parker's books. I have read every single Gail Connor/Anthony Quintana novel. They are full of suspense and are definitely books that you do not want to put down. I will miss her and the characters that she created. She is definitely one of my favorite mystery writers.

DeAnna Vasquez

June 2, 2009

I am deeply saddened at the passing of Ms. Parker. I became a quick fan after reading the first of the "Suspicion" books and became friends with Barbara after writing a review on Amazon.com. We often chatted online and those conversations will remain dear to my heart. My condolences to her family, she will be greatly missed. The literary world has lost a great author.

Barbara Klaas

May 26, 2009

I read my first Barbara Parker novel in the suspicion series this weekend. I could not put it down. When I looked on the internet to see a list of her books so I could read more, I discovered she had passsed away. How very sad such a talented person has been taken away but what a legacy she leaves. My thoughts and prayers are with her family. May the memories help you through this difficult time.

Phyllis Leggett

April 17, 2009

I am shocked and saddened to read of the death of my friend Barbara Parker. I became a fan and a friend after reading her 'suspicion' books. I wrote to Barbara to thank her for her books...that got me through a terrible time in my life. Barbara opened a new world for me..Cuba/ Latinos/ southern Florida...she saved my sanity and for that I am forever grateful. She spoke many times of coming to visit me with Laura and maybe doing a book around Anthony and Gail on Georgian Bay. My deepest sympathy Laura to you and Barbara's family. She will be missed.

Allison Gaines

April 9, 2009

My husband had met Barbara at the Miami Courthouse when she was just starting out writing her wonderful books. He told me to try reading them, and I have been hooked ever since

Sandy Zamora

March 20, 2009

There are no words to describe how much she will be missed. My thoughts and prayers are with her family in this sad time. Barbara Parker not only brought amazing enjoyment with her books, my love of her books brought me together with my best friend. She generously shared her time and talked to our two-person book club and gave us so much insight into her characters and writing.

Jacquelyn Vermilye

March 17, 2009

My deepest and heartfelt sympathies to you and your family. I did not know your family personally, but your loss has been shared by a family member and as a result, prayers in our Women's Circle (that reaches & resonates all over the world) are being said for your family and for Barbara as a new spiritual journey begins for her. God Bless, Jackie

Debbie Borden

March 17, 2009

Andrea and James....You mother was an inspiration to us all!

Barb, you were a blessing to this family and we miss you so. I thank the Lord that we were able come together to have our family reunion last year. Little did we know that it would be our last gathering together sharing laughter and hugs. No more pain, for now the angels have taken you under their wings.

You gave to the community from your heart with so much more to give. God bless you.

With much love.....your sister-in-law snd family,
Deb

Marc Smilen

March 15, 2009

"...that was all she wrote!"

Jenni Albright

March 15, 2009

Ray, Laura, Jimmy, and Andrea,
I am so sorry to hear about Barbara's passing. Even though I do not know all of you personally (only Ray), please know that you all are in my prayers during this difficult time. May you be patient with yourselves and each other as you grieve, and may your hearts be warmed by many happy memories of times spent with Barbara.

Marge Gissberg

March 14, 2009

My deepest sympathy to Barbara's family. She was a wonderful person and a great writer. I am so sorry to read of her passing. May she rest in peace.

Susan Boyd

March 14, 2009

Dear Laura and family,

Barbara was one of the first authors I hosted at Barnes & Noble Plantation nearly twelve years ago. She was always a favorite of our customers. Professional, intelligent, generous, creative, and lively, Barbara has left a wonderful legacy of work and friends.

Our thoughts, sympathy, and appreciation are with you.

Carol Smith

March 12, 2009

Dearest Laura and all the family,

I am so sorry to hear about Barbara. I knew that time was rapidly approaching but still not quite ready to let go. I know you'll all miss her... she was quite special. My deepest sympathy goes out to each of you along with my prayers for comfort. Love and God Bless each of you.... you were blessed to have her for this long and we were all blessed to have known her.

Jeanie Neier

March 10, 2009

Laura,
Thinking of you and your family. Sending hugs and warm wishes.

Sandy Jukel

March 10, 2009

Dear Laura, James and Andrea, My sincere condolences to the love of her life, her family. Barbara was always a shining star. I loved getting her cards from her whereabouts when she was doing research from one of her many books. She will be missed. Sandy Jukel
i

Jana Tift

March 10, 2009

Dear Laura,
I was so sorry to hear of the death of your sister at Chorale rehearsal Monday night. My condolences to you and your family. Blessings, Jana Tift A1T

Edith Singleton

March 10, 2009

My condolences to Barbara's family. Since I was raised in Miami, I was familiar with the places about which Barbara wrote in her "Suspicion of.." books. I met her two years ago at a Mystery Florida meeting on Lido Key and it was a delight to talk to her. She will be missed.

Judy Cuevas

March 10, 2009

Laura, Jimmy, and Andrea,
Barbara was simply one of the best human beings I have ever known. She glowed to me, so bright and dear and infinitely creative. If there is anything I can do for you, please call. My heart goes out to you all.

Darlene Fetzer

March 9, 2009

Dear Laura, Im so sorry to hear of the loss of your sister. As I think you know, I lost mine 12 yrs ago. That loss is like no other. Please have comfort in knowing your sister is out of pain and with Our Lord and savior. My sympathies--

Richard and Mary Lapointe

March 9, 2009

We knew Barbara from the Courtyard in LBTS where she lived and always enjoyed time with her and her beloved dog Max. She was a super person, intelligent, extraordinary and genuinely fun to be around. Her presence will be missed but she will be remembered by all and we were privileged to have known Barbara.

Sue Schierer

March 9, 2009

Dear Laura,

My heart goes out to you and your loved ones as you mourn the loss of your beloved sister. No matter what she was going through, Barbara was always pleasant and upbeat. She was a true inspiration.

With much love,
Sue Schierer

Susan Trevarthen

March 9, 2009

I too remember the fun we had on the England tour with Master Chorale and on the Miami scavenger hunt, and am a fan of Barbara's books. Laura, my thoughts and prayers are with you. I cannot imagine how hard it must be to lose your sister so young. What a loss to the world, to her community and family.

March 9, 2009

I will always remember her wearing her Tiara while sailing the Goddess boat, eating croquettes,sharing stories, Equinox celebrations and just an unmatched love of life. The Parker sisters (las parquiadoras) were a unique duo. Barbara continues to live in our hearts. Laura Fabar and Tom Equels

Lilliana Garrett

March 9, 2009

Dear Laura,

I have walked in your shoes.Time will soften the pain, but memories are never forgotten. Your deovtion and care of your Sister Barbara have been examplary.
I remember her laughter as she chatted to me in Italian!
" As a well spent day brings happy sleep, so life well used brings happy death." Leonardo Da Vinci
A remarkable woman. She has achieved imortality through her work.
Barbara, Tu sei nelle bracia di Dio !
You will be missed by many.
Rest in Peace.

Liliana Garrett . Fort Lauderdale.

Marlene Wepf

March 9, 2009

I remember meeting Barbara after a MCSF concert when I discovered she was an author. I bought one of her books the next day and was hooked. She graciously autographed some of them. They are treasures to me now.

Debbie Wirges

March 9, 2009

My thoughts and prayers are with Laura and her family. I had been a fan of Barbara's books long before I realized she was Laura's sister! She was always full of joy, and she will truly be missed.

Terri Lucchese

March 9, 2009

I know Barbara will be missed by many.

Laura, Barbara and Ray

March 8, 2009

Barbara, Andrea and Jimmy

March 8, 2009

We are so sorry to hear of Barbara's passing. She gave us much joy and it saddens us to know she will no longer be here with us. Our love and prayers go out to the family. God Bless you all. Karen, Duane, Kevin & Matthew Jordan (Borden family - Land O' Lakes, FL)

Grazia Grenni

March 8, 2009

Dearest Barbara, you’ll be forever in our hearts. Your bright smile, your wonderful character. Your friendship has been a precious gift for us, and the days spent together with you here in Italy are among the beautiful souvenirs in our lives.
We also loved all your books and we’re very proud and happy we could help you a little in the creation of “The perfect fake”. We send our felt condolences to your wonderful sister, to your dear children (whom we never met, but about whom you used to speak with pride and fond love) and to all those who loved you and whom you loved.
Grazia and Guido Grenni, together with Marco, Elena, Vittoria and Loredana Giannini (Italy)

Barbara and Laura

March 8, 2009

Lyn Donley

March 8, 2009

I have so many wonderful memories of Barbara! One of my favorites was doing the Miami Scavenger hunt with her one year. That girl knew how to have some fun. We will miss her.

Mark Glickman

March 8, 2009

I knew Barbara through her sister, Laura. She traveled to England with our Chorus, and everyone loved her. I enjoyed reading her books as well. This is such a tragedy. May her memory be a blessing for everyone whose lives she touched.

Susan Barasch

March 8, 2009

My condolences to the family. She will be missed by those of who's lives she touched. She was loved by many.

james hall

March 8, 2009

Barbara was a student of mine at FIU, in the same class with Dennis Lehane and Vicki Hendricks and several others who went on to do marvelous things. She stood out even in that group because she had a unique, sometimes mischievously off-center point of view on things. Always full of questions, always searching. Over the years she became a friend and colleague, and never lost her twinkle and spark. Damn.
James W. Hall

Bill Arnold

March 7, 2009

I knew Barbara Parker at Mystery Writers of America events. I was a writer who knew her strong spirit. She was a good person to have known as a colleague.
Bill Arnold, Lake Worth, Florida

March 7, 2009

Hi Andrea. I think I spoke to you last Saturday, as I am a volunteer at Hospice. I went to see you today, and saw that your Mom passed. You told me about her fight for so many years. I just wanted to let you know that you and your entire family are in my thoughts and prayers. I also met you Moms sister last week. Please know I'm thinking about you. Stay strong, as you were.

Eileen from Hospice

Amber, Layne and Barbara Ann

March 7, 2009

To Andrea and Jimmy from Amber, Layne, and Barbara Ann. We did not know your Mom was ill and can feel your grief that she left us too soon. I was in touch with your Mom everytime I saw a book of hers published. She was always proud of your accomplishments and was a profound influence in your lives. Just remember that now she is your guardian angel and is still watching over you. Amber and Layne lost their dad in 2007. Just look up frequently and say, "Hi Mom. We love you and miss you and we'll be okay."

All of us together one last time. Thank you Barb. Debbie

March 7, 2009

A special reunion I will never forget. We will miss you Barb.

March 7, 2009

Dearest Andrea and James,
I am heartbroken over Barbara's passing. I am thankful we were all able to get together at my house last February. Please let me know if there is anything we can do for you.
With much love,
Aunt Donna, Jimmy and Jennifer and Rick

Bob Artley

March 7, 2009

A large loss too soon. My condolences to the family. A great woman, free thinker, talented, caring and concerned. Barara deeply effected many lives. You will be missed.

Susan Corley

March 7, 2009

I am so saddened at Barbara's passing. I loved her books but most of all her talks at Barns & Noble, her humor, availability and that she always somehow remembered me! South Florida has lost a wonderful representative and friend. In deepest sympathy, Sincerely,

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