Gloria Jean Parks

Gloria Parks of St. Paul passed away at Woodbury Health Care Center on Saturday, July 2, 2016 at the age of 66. Gloria Jean Parks was born February 10, 1950 to Horace Parks Jr. and Doreen (Rose) Nelson in Fremont, Michigan. Gloria moved to St. Paul, MN as a child where she lived for most of her life. She graduated from Monroe High School in 1968. Gloria grew up surrounded by brothers: Larry, Robert, Gerry, Phillip and Richard, sisters: Dawn, Karla and Kelly. She also grew up with her Rose family cousins. Gloria was especially close to her cousin, Deb. As they got older they became more like sisters. Deb was always there for Gloria, especially the last few years as Gloria went through many health issues. Gloria may not have always said it but she was very thankful for all that Deb did for her. She trusted her and knew that she would be there whenever she needed it. For that, her brothers and sisters are very grateful that she had someone to help her and look out for her. Gloria was a free spirit who loved life. She was known as the “life of the party” by her friends or even called “short-stack” because of her lack of height! Gloria liked to kick back and relax with her friends. You could always tell Gloria was around by the sound of her laughter! She liked to travel, fish, play darts, do word searches, listen to country music and cheer on the Minnesota Vikings. It was not uncommon for Gloria to have the TV and radio on at the same time. While Gloria was never able to have children of her own, she was aunt to many: Melissa, Jessica, David, Justein, Robert Jr., Darla, Claire, Gerry Jr., Nicole, Michelle, Dawn Marie, Phillip Jr., Sam, Katie, Ashley and Abbey. She was also special “auntie”/cousin to Scott, Lisa, Michelle, Giana. Health was not something that was kind to Gloria. With already battling cancer once, she suffered a stroke, underwent aneurism surgery and many more. Gloria literally had 9 lives. She was a champion at fighting back and keeping her feisty spirit with her. This last time however, she wasn’t able to fight back. Gloria was very kind and generous to her family and friends. She would be the first to help out when she could and was always there when you needed someone to talk to. Gloria is now in heaven with her dad Horace, mom Doreen, step-father Lynn, brothers Robert and Phillip and sisters Dawn and Diane. She will forever remain in our hearts. Gloria is survived by brothers Larry Parks of Inver Grove Heights, Gerry Parks of Pine City and Richard (Gail) Parks of Bloomington, sisters Karla Nelson and Kelly (Shannon) Dorr all of Hudson, Wisconsin, aunt Shirley Koller of Woodbury, uncle David (Cindy) Rose of Mahtomedi, cousin-“sister” Deb (Dennis) Roach of Woodbury; many nieces, nephews and cousins. She is preceded in death by her parents Horace Parks Jr. and Doreen Nelson, step-father Lynn Nelson, brothers Robert and Phillip (Julie) Parks, sisters Diane and Dawn Parks. Pastor Lyn Sahr will officiate at funeral services for Gloria: 11:00 AM Thursday, July 7, 2016 at the Swanson Funeral Chapel in Pine City. Music will be provided by David, Larry and Bev Rose. Casket Bearers will include Larry Parks, David Parks, Sam Wakefield, Scott Neumann, James Conroy, and Michelle Roach. Honorary Casket Bearer will be Kathy Christiansen. A time of visitation and reviewal is planned for one hour prior to the funeral at the chapel. The interment will take place at Birchwood Cemetery in Pine City. Funeral arrangements for Gloria Parks are entrusted to the Funeral and Cremation Service of Pine City-Swanson Chapel www.funeralandcremationservice.com