Patricia Parker

MORTON - Patricia Mae Parker, affectionately known as Pat to her friends and family, passed away peacefully on December 7, 2025, in Morton, Illinois. Born on May 18, 1940, in Aurora, Illinois, to Stanie and Laura Vanda, Pat's life was a testament to her loving and gentle spirit. She was a beacon of kindness in the lives of all who knew her.
Pat's journey began as a young girl in East Moline, where she attended East Moline High School, laying the foundations for her future. Her life was forever changed when she married the love of her life, James A. Parker, on November 25, 1961. Together, they built a family that included their son Dennis Parker, daughters Diana Kutkat and Patricia Redman, son-in-law Perry Redman and a lineage that grew to include grandchildren Matthew, Savannah, and Drake, as well as six wonderful great-grandchildren.
Though Pat was a dedicated homemaker for many years, she later joined forces with her husband in 1983 to operate JP Painting. For 25 years, they worked side by side, pouring their hearts into the family business. Her contributions were not just through her labor but also through the warmth and care she brought into every aspect of the business.
Pat's Christian faith was a cornerstone of her life, guiding her actions and her unwavering commitment to her family and community. She lived her faith through her actions, embodying the love and grace that she believed in so deeply.
Her interests were as nurturing as her personality, with a love for needlepoint, gardening, sewing, and cooking. Pat created a home filled with warmth, where the smell of freshly baked bread might mingle with the sight of her beautiful needlepoint creations. Her garden was a reflection of her soul, vibrant and full of life, a place where she found peace and solace.
Those who knew Pat would describe her as the epitome of love, kindness, and gentleness. She moved through life with a grace that touched everyone around her. Her gentle guidance and unwavering support were the bedrock upon which her family thrived.
Pat was preceded in death by her loving parents, Stanie and Laura Vanda, two brothers, and one sister. Her memory will be cherished and kept alive by her devoted husband, children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and the countless friends whose lives she touched.
Pat's legacy is not just in the family she raised or the business she helped to build but in the quiet moments of love and care she shared with everyone around her. Her life was a tapestry woven with threads of compassion and selflessness that will continue to inspire those who were fortunate enough to know her.
As we say goodbye to Patricia Mae Parker, we celebrate a life well-lived, a journey marked by love, and a spirit that will continue to shine brightly in the hearts of those she leaves behind. Her memory will be a guiding light, a reminder of the beauty of a life lived with kindness and grace. Pat's presence will be deeply missed, but her influence will live on forever.
A funeral service will be held at 11 a.m. Monday, December 15, 2025, at Knapp-Johnson Funeral Home and Cremation Center in Morton. Visitation will be held from 10 to 11 a.m. Monday, prior to the service at the funeral home. Burial will be at Hirstein Cemetery in Morton.
In lieu of flowers donations can be made to Carl Hospice or Alzheimer's Association. To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Patricia Parker, please visit our floral store.