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Mary Frances Parker

1927 - 2010

BORN

1927

DIED

2010

Mary Parker Obituary

Mary Frances Parker
(Berkey, Sinz)
Our beloved mother passed away November 25, 2010 at the age of 83. Mary was born July 20, 1927 in Lewisburg, Alabama to Hobart and Bertha May White.
Mary moved to Lompoc, CA in 1952 with her husband Bill Parker from Birmingham, Alabama to start a new life. Bill retired from the Marine Corps and went to work for the Great Lakes Carbon Corporation (G.R.E.F.C.O) as a Mill Forman.
Mary worked at the City of Lompoc Municipal Pool as a cashier, swim instructor, lifeguard and coach of the Lompoc Marlins swim team with her son James. Mary worked at the Lompoc Pool for 40 years. She loved to teach everyone, young and old, to swim and she especially loved the hundreds of children she taught to swim. It was her passion and life until the day it closed. She was also an active member of the community with The Alpha Club, Senior Nuts and Bolts Band and several other Senior and handicap organizations and loved to crochet.
Mary was preceded in death by her husbands: Bill Parker, Bob Berkey and August Sinz; parents Hobart and Bertha White; brother Hobart White, Jr., Gurney White, Jerry White, Robert White and Kenneth White; and sisters Shirley Smith and Patricia Kent.
Mary is survived by her sister Peggy Christopher; daughter Sandra (Ken) Kurz; sons Bill (Jennifer) Parker and James (Cindy) Parker; grandchildren: Jeff, Doug, Donna, Juleli, Kevin, Tony, Taylor; and 11 great-grandchildren and three great-great- grandchildren; and hundreds of Lompoc swimmers.
There will be a private internment on Friday, December 3rd for the family.
The family wishes for all that can join them, in a Celebration of Mary's Life on Saturday, December 4th at the Lompoc Garange Hall, 435 North G Street, from 1:00pm to 4:00pm.
In lieu of flowers, the family request a pot luck dish or dessert to be shared by all, as we remember Mary's life, a donation to Hospice or a favorite charity of your choice.

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

Published by Lompoc Record from Dec. 2 to Dec. 3, 2010.

Memories and Condolences
for Mary Parker

16 Entries

Nikki Austin Dotson

December 10, 2010

Sandy and James,

Sandy we worked together for many years, and I know your mom helped me teach my son how to swim in the 70's. She was a great inspiration. James, we went to school together for a short time, but I know how important your family was to you.

To you both, I am sorry for loss. I will keep both of your families in my prayers.

God bless you all,
Nikki

Amanda (Kehret) Brown

December 9, 2010

I remember when Mary taught me to swim back in the 80's. Then I had the honor to teach with her when I was in high school. She always pushed you to do more than you thought you could, and you always did. She was a very special lady who will live in our hearts and memories. She was very much a part of my childhood and I was saddened to hear of her passing. God Bless.

Vincent Elizondo

December 8, 2010

Mary was a true gem in the Lompoc Valley. She taught generations of kids (and adults) how to swim in that old Municipal Pool. She had a way with children in terms of making them respond in a positive way. Who knows how many lives she saved through her good work? Our thoughts and prayers go out to the family.

Jennifer Burmester

December 7, 2010

Wow, where to begin. When I was younger it was Mary who had me jump off the diving board and without the pole! How I will never forget that! I still do not swim in the deep end!! Then years later she welcomed me into her family when I dated Jeff her grandson. Mary(Grandma) with a heart so big and giving, but oh how I loved her spunk! I love you Mom(Sandy) and Ken and will always keep you and your family in my heart. Love Jennifer #1 ha ha or as dad called me "Lucy"

Terri Ehret

December 5, 2010

She taught me and my sister how to swim probably 45 years ago, what a wonderful lady. My thought and prayers to your family.
Terri (Hayes)Ehret

Miriam (Klawiter) Swanson

December 4, 2010

I was sad to hear of Mary's passing...she was the woman who started me on my competitive swimming trek...and now my daughter is following in my path. I remember her smile and laugh....and her encouraging way of having us swimmers perform just a little better! Sorry for your loss!

Martie Lacey

December 3, 2010

I was suprised to hear about Mary's passing. She was truly a wonderful woman who loved the Lompoc community and all those in it. She had a huge heart and leant a helping hand to whom ever needed it. I know she will be missed...the swimming community in Lompoc was never the same when she left! Mary was one of a kind. Peace and love to her family.

Gwen Shelton-Clements

December 3, 2010

Dear Sandy,Ken,Jeffrey and Douglas, My thoughts and prayers are with you all. Your Mom and Grandmother was the most beautiful person I ever met. Just know that she was loved by many. Love Gwen

December 2, 2010

Dear Sandy, Ken and family,
Our thoughts and prayers are with you as you go through this loss. We always enjoyed the laughter when Mary was around. You have been such a support in your love and caregiving. God bless you as you adjust and go through these days of bereavement.
Love to all of you,
Bob & Carol Trevan

Chuck and Cathy Wilder

December 2, 2010

I found Mary to be a person of unique personallity. Always a good time when visiting Lompoc to see her. Our prayers for you Sandy and Ken, I know she already has the Lord smiling.

Debbie ( Capshaw) Tinney

December 2, 2010

Aunt Francis, Thank You for Your unconditional Love of Me and My Family, It didn't matter how long between visits we just took up where We left off. The ultimate Loving Friendship and Family. Love You all, Yes We lost another Lompoc ICON.

Josa- joy grider King

December 2, 2010

Grandma Mary, You have been a part of our family since my sister married your Butchie. I want to thank you for all the times we had together as a family. As a child growing up you were the swimming ICON and it was neat that you were my neice's Grandma. You will be truly missed, when you get to Heaven give them a hug for me will ya. & I will keep teaching my grandkids to swim :)...Joy

Rob Wilson

December 2, 2010

As one of those many Lompoc residents taught to swim by Mary (and then later coached by her son, James), I'll always remember her positive attitude and infectious smile. She was a true inspiration in my life. This is the passing of a Lompoc icon.

Tori Tinney

December 2, 2010

Aunt Frances, I will always remember your Loving smile as I would see you walk up grandmas drive way to come visiting. I dont remember what was discussed but I remember how you would have everyone laughing and chuckling. More Happy memories of a Grand Childhood. Thank You Jesus for allowing me to have Aunt Frances in my life. Sandi and family you are in my thoughts and prayers. All My Love and gratitude, Tori Tinney (daughter of Debbie Capshaw Tinney)

Melissa Leeds

December 2, 2010

My dear Grandma, we miss you so much already, your love for us and everything you did for us will never be forgotten. I will keep your legacy alive in my memories, and my children's memories. I Love you Grandma!!!

December 2, 2010

Great memories of going to the pool when I was a kid. Mary would make you swim across the pool to see if you were a strong enough swimmer to go into the deep end. It took me more then once, but eventually I did it well enough and got to go down the slide. I can still see her with that whistle! Years later she taught my kids to swim. She was a great lady who made a huge contribution to the community. My prayers are with you.

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