Terry Lee Sparks

There once was a young dancer named Terry Lee

Known for her grace and stature, she traveled the world with curiosity.

She never looked back,

Always looking for more,

And finally found her paradise in Ecuador.

(Channeled by T.L.Sparks, Queen of Limericks)

Fate had it's way with Terry Lee Sparks, born 12/22/1942. First child to Stan and Betty Sparks during a snowstorm in Seattle Washington, Terry came into the world seeing first her mother, then her grandmother, Rose Knapp. Stan was stuck in Kodiak Alaska, trying to get a plane out to return home during the war which was virtually impossible.

At an early age, living in Port Angeles, Terry developed rheumatic fever. As she recovered, the doctor advised her parents to enroll her in an athletic activity that would be good for her heart. Terry chose ballet. This became her passion throughout most of her life. Her dad said of Terry, "as soon as she could walk, if you didn't watch her she would just wander off and never look back." Fearless. And curious. That was a theme throughout her life taking her to New York City at the age of 16 on a Ford foundation scholarship to study ballet with George Balanchine at the New York City ballet.

She didn't go the obvious route, but found her own path through the years with dance, opening her own studio in Seattle and again on San Juan Island, teaching for Anna Wyman dance company, touring with Twyla Tharp as ballet mistress and finally returning to her roots at Cornish. Throughout Terry's life, she not only was curious and adventurous, she was a teacher at heart. She traveled extensively, lived in many places, and experienced many life situations. Throughout it all, she always found a way to teach.

Terry found Nicki Rivera in 1987 and eventually married. They shared a wonderful life in the Ballard neighborhood of Seattle, Wa. where they lived until both retired. In 2011, at the ages of 66 and 67 they made the decision to move to Vilcabamba, Ecuador. where they would learn a new language and start a new life. After living in a small gated community of expats, they chose to buy a 5 acre piece of property and build a new home in the same area. They invited their new Ecuadorian family, Vito, Deysi, and their two girls, Dayanna and Jenni, to join them and they built an additional home on the property for them. Then they added several kitties, dogs, and a swimming pool. Terry realized her dreams come true......Paradise! She transferred her love of choreography and beauty into her love of gardening. She met her gardening soulmate in Vito and together they created a lovely sanctuary which they all have enjoyed for years.

Even though Terry was far away, she maintained a close relationship with her family in the States. She visited annually, loving to surprise her dad Stan each time, until he died at the age of 102 1/2 in 2020. She spent time with her sister Beverly Sparks and her brother Wayne Sparks going on their infamous sibling adventures which included salmon fishing, eating, swimming, laughing, and playing hearts until someone cried. She also enjoyed her visits with her nephews Aaron and Andrew and respective families, as well as meeting her great nephew Carter and great niece Paxton.

Terry and Nicki made themselves part of the Ecuadorian community. They were interested in learning all about the culture and customs. They donated from their garden regularly to the local families and annually they filled gift boxes of food and staples for those who were in need. Everyone they met became a friend, from the taxi drivers, carpenters, gardeners, doctors, storekeepers, veterinarian, anyone who they came into contact with.

Terry was diagnosed with stage four lung cancer in February 2021. She died June 2021 peacefully at home, surrounded by her true love, and family and all of her Ecuadorian community.