Patty Parks

1946 - 2023

Patty Parks
January 17, 1946 - June 2, 2023
Fresno, California - Patty was born in Blair, Nebraska, the daughter of Joe and Dona (Nelson) Neary. She had two younger siblings: Don and Kathy. Patty went to Tekamah High School before moving to Omaha, NE where she graduated from Immanuel Hospital School of Nursing in 1967.
In Omaha, Patty met her husband Dr. Steven Parks. For the next 43 years, they would travel the world, sharing laughter and love with all they encountered. Patty continued her nursing career when the couple moved to Oakland, CA. In 1975, her daughter Nancy was born. The growing family moved to Fresno, CA the following year. With this move and the addition of the family's youngest, Ben in 1979, Patty would put her focus on the home and no longer practiced as a nurse.
Patty was a wonderful mother and wife and made a home not just for her family, but one that welcomed all. The Parks family hosted exchange students from around the globe, playdates, study sessions, BUNCO nights, yearly parties for the UCSF Fresno Medical Education Program, journal clubs, they would open their home for Thanksgiving to friends and colleagues that were unable to visit their own family. She was a great friend and mother to many. Nancy and Ben were lucky enough to have Patty as their mother every day, whether they were living in her home or off on their own. Steve and Patty Parks had a loving relationship, and their children knew they were always loved and supported.
Patty was very involved with her church (Community UCC) and the local community. She was a member of PEO, volunteered as both nurse and cook at Camp Tamarack, and was very active in the Valley Medical Center Hospital Auxiliary, La Comida Guild, the Kings River Conservancy. Patty loved Bulldog Baseball and was a longtime member of the Dugout Club. She was a wonderful cook and the ultimate hostess able to throw an amazing party on a moment's notice.
Patty was a coordinator for Advanced Trauma Life Support (ATLS), a course that teaches doctors to assess and treat injured patients. Patty would travel internationally with her husband Steve, sharing ATLS across the globe.
In 2016, then once again in 2017, Patty was given the job she was born to have; Patty was made a grandmother. First came Nancy's son, Spencer, then Ben's daughter, Taylor. Already so proud of her two children and having given them so much love, she was now able to share her heart with a new generation. Patty was a wonderful grandmother and glowed with joy while spending time with her grandchildren.
We are sad to say goodbye but so honored to have had this time with you. You taught us to be welcoming and kind, to share love and life and celebrate the successes of ourselves and others. You will be remembered and always loved. LYMI.
Patty was preceded in death by her husband, Steve, parents, and brother, Don. She is survived by her two children, her daughter-in-law, two grandchildren, her sister, sisters and brothers-in-law, and nieces & nephews.
There will be a service and celebration of life at Community UCC on August 5, further details to follow.
In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to one of Patty's favorite charities. The Steven N. Parks Endowed Fund or Terry's House. Give online to the Steve N. Parks, MD Endowed Fund here or via mail: UCSF Foundation/Steven N. Parks, MD Endowed Chair, Attn: UCSF Fresno Development Dept; PO Box 45339, San Francisco, CA 94145-0339. Or Terry's House, Community Medical Foundation 126 N. Fresno St, Fresno, CA 93701.