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BORN
1991
DIED
2015
FUNERAL HOME
Molly Parks Obituary
OLD ORCHARD BEACH - Molly Alice Parks, 24, who most currently resided in Manchester, N.H., passed away in Manchester on April 16, 2015, as the result of a heroin overdose. She was born in York, on March 13, 1991, the daughter of Tom and Patti (Michaud) Parks. Molly graduated from Old Orchard Beach High School in 2009 and attended one year at SMCC until her addiction took over.
Most recently, she was employed as a delivery driver for Portland Pie Co. in Manchester, N.H.
She enjoyed theater, fashion, reading – especially Harry Potter, and will always be remembered for her fearless personality and her trademark red lipstick.
Along Molly's journey through life, she made a lot of bad decisions including experimenting with drugs. She fought her addiction to heroin for at least five years and had experienced a near fatal overdose before. Molly's family truly loved her and tried to be as supportive as possible as she struggled with the heroin epidemic that has been so destructive to individuals and families in her age bracket.
She is survived by her parents, Tom Parks and his wife Pat Noble of Saco, and Patti Michaud Parks of Berlin, N.H.; sister,, Kasey Parks of Old Orchard Beach, stepsiblings, Dustin and Delayna Denicourt of Biddeford; maternal grandparents, Rita and Raymond Michaud of Berlin, N.H., paternal grandmother, Ruth Parks of Old Orchard Beach; and numerous aunts, uncles; cousins; nephews, and a niece.
If you have any loved one's who are fighting addiction, Molly's family asks that you do everything possible to be supportive, and guide them to rehabilitation before it is too late.
Visitation will be held on Wednesday, April 22, from 4-8 p.m. at the Old Orchard Beach Funeral Home, 36 Portland Ave.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Molly Parks
Sponsored by Old Orchard Beach Funeral Home.
Helen Twombly
April 16, 2021
Molly I never met you but I will never forget you, reading your obituary just broke my heart. I think of you often and know that you are at peace and without pain but I worry about all the people that loved you so much.
anon
April 16, 2021
Love and strength to her family and friends, today.
Jessica Heller-Allen
April 19, 2019
I still work in addictions because of Molly and the obit her mom wrote in 2015.i am still so sorry for her family's loss.
Jessica Heller
April 24, 2018
It's been 3 years. I still work in addictions. Molly and her blunt obit that changed my career path. I never knew Molly. I had no personal experience with addiction but I knew that the end of her life was the start of something that needed more hands on deck. Thank you, Molly's parents, for been so straightforward. I still get the notification of her anniversary, may knowing what you wrote changed others, bring you peace.
Jessica Allen
April 24, 2018
Jessica
Jess Heller
April 16, 2017
I still receive a notification of Molly's passing 3 yrs later. Molly inspired me and I continue to work with addicts because of her despite us never meeting. I am sure you miss the vibrant young theatre lover in your lives that you remembered for her love of lipstick and all things dramatic but the way you wrote her obituary ensured she did not die in vain.
Bobbie Dudash
January 17, 2017
So, so sorry. There are a few members of my family with addiction. God help us all, we don't know what to do. I pray that God will comfort you.
Mark Cheli
July 4, 2016
RIP Molly as your pain is over. As for the family, I'm truly sorry for your loss. I as well lost my son at age 27 to the same thing. Memories will always live forever. God bless.
Jess Heller
April 15, 2016
It sounds like there was a lot to love about Molly. Learning of Molly's death a year ago tmw and reading her direct, blunt,needed obituary changed my career trajectory. I use to work as a social worker with children. Now, I work with people who are homeless and addicted to heroin now. I didn't know Molly but reading about her, it planted a seed. The 16th will be hard for you all but folks working with addicts and families in the trenches do care and worry.
Sandra Reynolds
April 15, 2016
One year ago my heart is heavy for your family
Sandra
Emily
March 30, 2016
Sending positive thoughts your family's way through this difficult time. Thank you for being honest about your daughter's addiction, she was suffering and would be so happy to know her obituary could help end the same suffering for someone else. She was lucky to have a loving, brave family. I am so sorry for your loss, your daughter must have been a very special girl.
Sandra Gillis
April 22, 2015
I am sorry to hear about your daughter Molly. She was a beautiful girl. Your family will be in my prayers. God bless you.
Jessica
April 22, 2015
RIP Molly....N to her parents-thank u SO much for being so candid! U WILL save someone!!! U WILL!!!!! Thank u!! So sorry for ur loss..
Linda Bennett
December 14, 2015
I lost my 35 yr old son to multi-drug toxicity 20 months ago. The pain is still as raw as the first day. RIP my dear son and Molly.
Christopher Presnall
December 13, 2015
Rest in Piece sweet girl.
Trudy Reed
September 6, 2015
Molly, you have a brave family.
July 24, 2015
I don't know what to say to ease the pain that you are feeling. I was driving home from work and the car in front of me had written in the back window an R.I.P. message with your daughters name. Something moved me to look up her name and I read her obituary...I don't know her but reading about her life and addiction made me feel so moved that I had to write this. I send to all of you who knew Molly strength and healing. Her pain and suffering is over and she is finally free. God bless you all.
Mary Huchet
July 7, 2015
God Bless Molly, her family and friends and all the others suffering in this addiction!
Noreen Wixon
June 27, 2015
So sorry that it only took a drug, to take something so precious from your lives. None of us are immune. My thoughts and prayers are with you. May God give you comfort and peace.
TH
May 29, 2015
Please draw comfort from Isaiah 35:5,6 God has planned to end death and sickness in the near future. May this hope sustain you through a difficult time.
May 28, 2015
So sorry for your loss. Bless you all !!!
May 27, 2015
I was a Drug Addict.The pain and hoplesness an addict endures is oft times unbearable.I was either blessed or Lucky!
I know Molly is having a great time in Heaven!She is at Peace.I wish the same soon for you.
May 27, 2015
I am so sorry for your loss and the hurt you faced with both her addiction and death. I appreciate your honesty and respect for who she was and how she lived through her passions. The fact she died of heroin is a shame but she fought it either way. You have to understand that we all fight it in the best way we can. Sometimes we win, sometimes we lose. I am currently winning but so many others are not and we need to let people know of the hold it takes. Molly is free of it now and she is so happy, I am sure.
KM
May 26, 2015
I am sorry for your loss. The death of a child is a heartbreak that is particularly difficult to cope with. Find comfort in knowing that your loss has not gone unnoticed by God. He promises to give you the strength needed to endure the days ahead. (Psalm 46:1)
May 23, 2015
My heartfelt sympathies go out to the family and friends during this difficult time. I hope that the promise found in 1 Thessalonians 4 : 14 can bring comfort. Knowing that there is a future for the ones we have lost in death can be so reassuring.
May 22, 2015
The words are hard to speak to those of us who have lost their child to this drug. I know it has been a long walk already through this and yet it is not over. For this walk you have yet to face, the walk of grieving the loss of your child. Remember to ask God to help you and know that she is finally at peace.
Tj King
May 16, 2015
I'm so sorry for the loss of your beautiful daughter. Thank you being honest , and not sweeping it under the rug.
May 15, 2015
I heard about your daughter's death on NPR. i was and am terribly moved and thank you, Mr Parks, for your honesty, clarity and commitment.
I have had to deal with this issue in my own family, and I know how wrenching and painful it is.
Thank you for honesty in naming this horrible affliction that sweeps humankind. I think you will help more than one family.
Peace, Topey Schwarzenbach
Sarah
May 15, 2015
may God bless your daughter and family...may she rest in peace and may he give you all strength, now and always.
May 10, 2015
I am living your nightmare with my daughter. I am praying for a happier outcome and hope you find some peace.
M
May 4, 2015
I am so so sorry for your loss. Reading your story and Molly's obituary, as well as a few of the other comments has brought me to tears. I guess it hits close to home for me, being a 20 something girl myself who, thank the Lord, is now a former user. I, like so many others, applause your honesty and dedication to trying to do all you can to get the message out there about Molly's struggles in life and your urge to encourage family members dealing with the same situation to do all they can to get involved with any help they can give to the addicted person they love. I'm sure you know this, but even though i do not know your family, i am positive your family's love and everything you did for her was more than enough. Heroin is an ugly, dirty, disgusting drug and it just takes over lives of anyone who touches it; just about. It took me a long time to get away from it, and i pray that it never sucks me back in, but it is that powerful, i know the possibility is always there. I again just wanted to say i send my deepest condolences and commend your family for being so brave and fearless as to be honest and open to the world about the tragedy your family has been suffering through. God Bless
May 3, 2015
We share your sorrow. Our family sends heart felt condolences to all of you.Our daughter passed away in September. She was the same age as Molly and suffered as Molly did here on earth. Our girls are at peace and we find some comfort knowing that our girl is no longer hurting. I can tell you were the best parents you could be for Molly and she was one lucky girl to be raised by you. Be strong - we understand. Kathryn and Doug
Helen doyle
May 2, 2015
Sending love and prayers for your family.
May 1, 2015
Prayers from Indiana.
Lindsay Murphy
May 1, 2015
God bless
Denise Serridge
April 30, 2015
I am so sorry for your lost. I am positive that your candor will reach someone.. and that is the best we can hope for.
April 30, 2015
Tom and family,
You have been through so much and in the midst of it all, you shared openly about your daughter's struggles so that other families and people could learn about what is really claiming so many young lives in this country. I'm forever sorry for all your pain.
Colleen Moriarty, CT
wendy legas
April 29, 2015
My prayers go out to you and your family. I am a funeral director and see too many families in your situation. I am hoping that your honesty will make others realize that there is not shame in being the caring loved ones of a person with an addiction. May you find peace in your lives.
April 29, 2015
Sorry for your loss, I also lost my daughter from a heroine overdose in January. She is finally at peace with her self. I love and miss her extremely and always will. God bless you and your family
April 28, 2015
I am so sorry for the loss of your daughter, Molly. Thank you for your honesty and your desire to raise awareness about heroin and drugs in general. You are making the best out of a horrible situation. May your memories comfort you. Bless you.
SP
Wellington, FL
The Lavoies/Martins
April 28, 2015
My heart breaks for your family's loss. Please know that that your loss has touched our family and we will keep you all in our hearts, thoughts & prayers.
April 28, 2015
I am so sorry for your loss, I, too, lost my 25year old daughter to heroin 7 months ago.
K R
April 28, 2015
I am so sorry for the loss of your daughter. My grief is fresh as well. Two days before your daughter died of a heroin overdose my 24 year old nephew died from a heroin overdose on April 14, 2014. It is so tragic and I fear as well that a whole generation will be lost at this rate. Thank you for your honesty in your obituary. Maybe it will get some young people in the community who knew Molly talking and getting themselves into treatment.
Maureen Tierney
April 28, 2015
May God give you comfort as you grieve the loss of your beloved daughter.
Lisa Riley
April 28, 2015
Such a beautiful girl. The admiration for the family to tell the story of addiction is so awesome! May your hearts and souls rest knowing that she is free now and with God.
caldeen benedict
April 28, 2015
Thank you for sharing. May God hold you close in His arms.
Virginia Sanders
April 28, 2015
I am so sorry for your loss. My heart goes out to you. I have addicts in my family so I understand some of the pain and suffering you have endured. Thank you for your courage in speaking out to help others during your own time of loss. My prayers are with you. God bless you.
Allie R.
April 27, 2015
Since tomorrow never came for Molly & Paula(my babysister ) My heart knows they knew how much we loved them..
Allie R
April 27, 2015
I feel the pain and love of you and yours as if it was yesterday that my babysister passed away 12-9-14.. .Paula was told 2 yrs before to stop drinking or die...No words can ever be spoken that will comfort the ones that wonder if they tried hard enough to get thru to a sister..daughter...loved ones.. all I guess can be said... is we're not alone in our total helplessness that we feel . God Bless You and yours for sharing such brutal honesty that many can't. .♡
Sandy
April 27, 2015
I'm so sorry for your loss. We also lost our son to a heroin overdose 2 years ago.
Linda
April 27, 2015
Sorry for your loss. I know no words can heal the pain. I hope one day you will be able to cope better with the loss and always smile at the memories of her. Thank you for posting this heartfelt message to bring light to a scary epidemic facing young people today.
April 27, 2015
My heartfelt sympathy to you Tom and Molly's friends and family. Thank you for sharing, we are burying too many due to this epidemic. Perhaps making it personal will hit home for folks. We need the village to care for the villagers. God bless you all, Eileen Marie, Uxbridge, MA
Pam laynor
April 27, 2015
I am very sorry for your loss. My heart goes out to any parent who loses a child to addiction. Your honesty is very beautiful and if it helps someone else, God Bless you. May your daughter finally find freedom and may she rest in peace.
Shari Murray
April 27, 2015
So sorry for your loss. Thank you so much for posting the truth, I think more young people need to see this.
April 27, 2015
I'm very sorry for your loss. As an addict in recovery I understand the struggle. I'm happy to hear that you were supportive of your daughter, but the sad truth is that the only person to change an addict is the addict. My husband passed away from an overdose and even that didn't stop me for years. I wish drugs just simply werent available.
April 27, 2015
Thank you for your bravery and honesty. There but for the grace of God.. May Molly find the peace she could not achieve on earth. May her family find a way to move forward ...
April 27, 2015
Thank you for your heart sorrowed words about your beloved daughter!We have first hand experience in this present day plague,and there has got to be help!I believe being honest about it is critical.I pray God comfort you and your family,and due to your pain and honesty,others be made aware, and help be forthcoming,Amen words seem so inadequate at this time,sorrowing with you...
James Powell
April 27, 2015
Sorry for your loss. I came across this story on Distractify and I know what it is like to lose your loved one. I commend you for taking a bold step and try to help end addiction to drugs. Keep striving hard and speak out to be heard. She has made you stronger. God bless your family.
Tobbie Krantz
April 27, 2015
I am very sorry for your loss, Molly was a beautiful woman, who, like many get caught up in addiction. Thank you for your honesty, for pointing the finger at the disease that killed her. It is a bold reminder to me, an addict in recovery, of how fine the line between life & death truly is.
Heather
April 27, 2015
My prayers go out to you and your family. Thank you for your honesty at a time when many would try to hide. Addiction is a terrible habit to break!
Sara Gunning (my daughter)
Rita Gunning
April 27, 2015
I am experiencing the very same thing as we prepare for my daughter's services. She leaves behind 3 sons. Sara had the same struggle as your Molly. I so admire your strength and honesty. Our daughters are beautiful angels free and no more struggles. My heartfelt sympathy goes out to your family.
Tonya Dotson
April 27, 2015
How selfless of your family to use your horrific loss to try to save a life. It's very commendable. Praying you and your family find peace and love during this sad time in your lives. God bless.
Christine Hedding
April 27, 2015
So Sorry for your loss. I to lost my daughter last year. My thoughts and prayers are with you.
Libby Bennett
April 27, 2015
Prayers to you and your family!!
Kristy Alice
April 26, 2015
It's NOT your fault, addiction is psychological, so it's NOT her fault either. Cherish the good memories. -Kristy Alice
janice collins
April 26, 2015
I'm so sorry for your loss. My best friend died from an overdose also. May God be with you.
Jamie
April 26, 2015
I never met Molly and I will probably never meet any of you, but I want to thank you for the honesty and bravery of this obituary. I know the pain of not being able to save someone, and my heart goes out to everyone Molly left behind. My sister is Molly's age and has struggled with heroin addiction for many years but she is thankfully in recovery now and a year sober. In September 2014 we lost her fiance to a heroin overdose. He was one of my best friends. His family chose not to reveal the cause of his death, and I understand their decision, but I know it could have been so powerful to use his death as a catalyst for discussion of this disease that takes too many of our loved ones. Thank you, from the bottom of my heart, for your kind words, and I hope you find peace. Much love to you all.
April 26, 2015
So sorry for your loss. How very brave your family must be. Thank you for sharing your story. Being the mother of 2 girls one who had a time with drugs I am grateful everyday we got through it. My thoughts and prayers are with you at this time.
l MYERS
April 26, 2015
Anyone struggling with heroin, please find a doctor who can prescribe subtext, it saved both myself an my husband.. we did h for 7 yrs. Best thing I've ever choose to so was stop. But u have to want to quit. And when ppl are down on u constantly, it makes it hard.... show them a reason to live, that they are loved, an find them/ take them to the doctor, then straight to detox, an give them the subtext. They can quit.
judy constantine
April 26, 2015
so sorry your daughter lost the battle with addiction,
you have shown amazing bravery . I hope your honest words travel the globe and young people everywhere take pause before they enter a life of drugs and addiction.
April 26, 2015
So sorry for your loss. My 29 year old daughter has been addicted to prescription pills for way over a decade. Our family has tried everything and nothing has helped. This truly is an epidemic not only for their generation but for all ages. I fear the phone call that you got. The ripple effect of drug abuse ruins many lives I wish there were something i could do for your family. Praying ry
liz Grieco
April 26, 2015
I am so sorry for your loss. I am a mother of a 23 year old addict and dread the idea of writing my sons obituary although it seems nearly inevitable . Rest in peace Molly.
April 26, 2015
I am so sorry for your loss. This truly is a great epidemic that is taking this generation by storm and leaving many causalities. Over the last few years, my daughters, who are trying to recover from their addiction to heroin, have lost too many friends and loved ones to this disease.
The only solution we found that seems to work is having a relationship with God, walking with Him daily, and the support of a solid 12 step program.
Thanks for being real rather than vague and shedding light so others can understand how ramped and escalating and tragic the world of drug addiction is.
Praying peace and comfort for your family during this difficult time.
A Georgia Mom
April 26, 2015
Molly is no longer addicted as she passed through the vail she was set free from drugs for the rest of eternity. .. praying for the Parks family and thankful they came forward to speak about this epidemic gripping many families today.
Susie
April 26, 2015
What a beautiful woman your daughter was. I am sorry to hear that your love and support did not help her fight her addiction. Hopefully soon, memories of the way she was before this drug took her away are what you remember of her.
Cara Ripley
April 26, 2015
I am so sorry for your loss. I applaud your openness in discussing Molly's struggle with addiction and I have no doubt the impact of this dialog will have a lasting positive impact. Many wishes for healing and peace.
Jenifer Curlett
April 26, 2015
Many prayers to you and your family!
April 26, 2015
God bless.
GOD BLESS YOU MARY
April 26, 2015
WITH DEEPEST SYMPATHY-- I SAY IAM SO VERY SORRY FOR YOUR LOSS MOLLY SOUNDED LIKE A WONDERFUL GIRL-- ADDICTS CHOSE TO KEEP THERE DEMONS--WITH SAD CONSEQUENCES-- MY DAUGHTERS WERE OUT THERE TO THANK GOD I DIDNT HAVE TO GO TO THERE FUNERAL--I KNOW SO MANY--WHO HAVE DIED--I PRAY GOD GIVES YOU COMFORT AND STRENGTH AT THIS TIM OF LOSS YOU R IN MY PRAYERS MARY
Carly Green
April 26, 2015
I am so sorry for your loss...I lost my son to an overdose almost 8 years ago. God Bless You.
Gary Manzo
April 26, 2015
Truly sorry for your loss. And hoping, but I am sure you will get your wish for saving one soul. Clearly, what you have done is opened the "Forbidden Door". And from what I am seeing, is giving wonderful hope to families like yours. Again, to lose someone to this horrible disease is painful and heartbreaking. But what you have done, is brave and commendable. Pax. Gary Manzo
Julir Marion
April 26, 2015
So very sorry for your loss. She was lucky to have loving and supportive family who did all they could to help her. She is resting peacefully in the arms of Jesus.
S.B.
April 26, 2015
Thank you for sharing Molly's story. My brother lost his son to heroin 3 years ago and was very honest about his life's story. However, so few are willing to talk about it...while walking through it or afterwards. May your strength continue on as you mourn your loss...and may other's find strength in your honesty to share their stories, too.
Shannon Martin
April 26, 2015
Sorry for your loss. I also am recovering from addiction. I currently take Suboxone for my opiate addiction and it has kept me clean for 2 years now. It is, along with counseling, the best treatment for opiate addiction available. I recommend this method of treatment along with a twelve step program ( usually AA, since NA frowns upon DRT ) for anyone struggling with opiate addiction. I hope this helps someone.
April 26, 2015
I wish your family all the best for the future and I'm sending you all my love and thoughts. I'm so sorry xxx
Denise Wilson
April 26, 2015
My deepest sympathy,.Not only for the final loss of your daughter, but for the years of heartbreak and struggle leading to it. My daughter is also an addict for 8 years now. Sadly, I believe she will share Molly ' s exit from this world. May God be with your family.
April 26, 2015
I am truly sorry for your loss. No parent should ever have to bury their child.
Betty
April 26, 2015
I understand where you are at today, I also no where Molly was. The life of an addict is the darkest, loneliness hell on earth, only to be compared to that of those who love an addict. I was an addict yesterday I am an addict today, clean but still a step away of being active. I fight I struggle each and every day and only by the Grace of God it is not my name in the paper today. I did not no Molly, but as I sat here in Pa and read her obituary I have made a promise to her, Molly you did not die in vain, I promise you I will carry your story with me today, tomorrow and every day from this moment on, When I feel weak I will gain strength from you, this I do believe. To your family please believe me, I will carry a piece of your daughter in my heart I promise some how that I will gain the strength that I need on my bad days, I will imagine Molly looking down on me and telling me "you can and you will get through this, one step at a time" God Bless you all! Molly my guardian angel rest in peace!
Cassidy
April 25, 2015
Thank you for speaking up! I recently lost my mom to drugs.. May god be with you!
April 25, 2015
I'm so sorry for you lost.
Heather Antonelli
April 25, 2015
Addiction destroys so many lives. I am so sorry you have lost such a beautiful piece/peace of your heart to it! Prayers of healing are sent your way!
Andrea
April 25, 2015
My thoughts and prayers are with this family. I am so sorry for your loss and the reason for it.
Christine Mangan
April 25, 2015
My thoughts and sincere condolences are with you. My husband and I lost his son in January to his addiction. It is April now & I still can't quite believe that he is really gone. I mean, we went through the motions, all of the proper actions that you do to tell a loved one goodbye... But is still not real. Denial I know. I wish you and your family peace. I know that this feels impossible now, but in spite of it it all, you start to feel better in very small increments. Peace & deep sympathy to you & your family.
Selina Meza
April 25, 2015
My prayers go out to your family.
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