Mary Jananne Parker

Mary Jananne Parker lived a life distinguished by generosity, compassion, and an unmistakably free spirit. To know Mary was to feel welcomed, uplifted, and sincerely cared for. Her warmth came effortlessly, her laughter easily, and her kindness left a lasting impression on everyone fortunate enough to cross her path.

Early Life and Family

Mary was born and raised in Fresno, California, the daughter of Leland and Jananne Collins. She grew up in a lively and loving home alongside her four siblings—Sharry Knight, Dale Collins, Lee Collins, and Becky Collins. The strong sense of family, humor, and resilience formed during her childhood shaped the independent and spirited woman she would become.

As a young girl, Mary traveled extensively throughout Central California and into the Sierra Nevada with her family. These early adventures sparked her lifelong love of travel and the outdoors. She often fondly recalled visits to her grandparents at China Lake Naval Air Station, laughing as she described it as “one hot and dusty hell hole—but the memories were forever.” Those stories remained some of her most treasured childhood memories.

Education and Early Adventures

After graduating from high school in Fresno, Mary followed her creative passions by attending beautician school in the San Francisco Bay Area. Her natural talent and dedication quickly stood out, eventually leading her to teach at the very school where she trained.

In her early twenties, Mary formed a lifelong friendship with Louise Gilley. At just 22 years of age, the two embarked on an extraordinary journey—hiking across Canada from Vancouver, British Columbia, to Nova Scotia. They spent an entire summer traveling before returning to the Bay Area, later sharing a hillside home together for several years.

In 1972, Mary met Penni Roessler, beginning a friendship that would last the rest of her life.

During her teenage years, Mary spent several summers working in Yosemite National Park, fully embracing adventure and the natural beauty she so deeply loved. She later relocated to Lake Tahoe, where she worked as a beautician at Harrah’s and Barney’s Casinos, then as a keno runner, and eventually in the casino accounting department.

A Life in Beauty and New Beginnings

Mary ultimately returned to her true calling as a full‑time beautician. It was during this chapter that she met her first husband, Tony Viel, who worked in casino security. They married in Lake Tahoe and soon began building a life together, moving first to Houston, Texas, and later to Boise, Idaho. There, Tony served as a county sheriff while Mary continued her career.

After Tony’s passing, Mary demonstrated remarkable resilience and independence. With the encouragement and faith of her devoted clients—who believed in her so deeply they helped finance her dream—Mary opened her own beauty salon and owned the building outright. Her dedication to her craft spanned an impressive forty years.

In 2008, Mary sold her salon and transitioned to part‑time work, enjoying a slower pace while still doing what she loved.

A New Love and Shared Life

In 2009, Mary met Thomas Parker, a man she joyfully described to friends as “everything I had been hoping for.” When asked his name, she proudly replied, “Tom Parker.” They met through Match.com, and Mary soon moved to Baker City, Oregon, in 2011. The couple married in 2012.

After Tom’s retirement in 2014, they relocated to Las Vegas, spending nearly two years there before settling in Crossville, Tennessee. Their eleven years in Tennessee were filled with friendship, laughter, shared meals, and lively card games—simple pleasures that meant everything to them.

A Journey West and Beyond

In the spring of 2020, Mary and Tom embarked on a memorable 30‑day, 4,000‑mile journey along the West Coast. Traveling throughout California, Oregon, and Washington, they visited friends and family, enjoyed abundant crab feasts, and explored iconic landmarks including the Grand Canyon, the Petrified Forest, and historic Route 66.

Among all their travels, Harbor Lights Inn in Depot Bay, Oregon held a special place in their hearts. They treasured its atmosphere, food, and people. One evening, they ordered only a glass of wine, a loaf of bread, and a bucket of steamer clams. The clams arrived before they had finished their wine, and they savored the moment watching the harbor below and Coast Guard cutters glide effortlessly in and out—an experience Mary cherished.

Mary and Tom also enjoyed a western Caribbean cruise and several springtime trips to Gulf Shores, Alabama. During these visits, Mary’s brother Dale and his wife Carol wintered at Gulf Shores RV State Park in their fifth‑wheel trailer. Together, the family explored cities, museums, and historical sites. Mary’s brother Lee and his wife Anne joined them on two occasions. On several trips, they also traveled to Pensacola, Florida, to visit Mary’s sister Sharry Knight and niece Jennifer.

Interests, Passions, and Creativity

Mary’s creativity was ever‑present. She enjoyed watercolor painting, baking, quilting in her earlier years, and sewing. An avid traveler, she and Tom owned three travel trailers over the years and delighted in what she affectionately called “glamping.”

They were particularly excited to explore the Sequoias, the coast, and Yellowstone in their new motorhome until Mary’s mobility began to decline. Even then, her adventurous spirit never faded.

Mary also had a deep passion for remodeling. Whether practical or ambitious, she loved transforming spaces. In Las Vegas, she and Tom undertook an extensive renovation, bringing their home down to the studs. For eighteen months, they lived together in a thirty‑foot travel trailer—a challenge that became one of their favorite stories to share.

Later Years

After the unexpected passing of Tom’s son, Elliot Parker, in 2023, Mary and Tom chose to move closer to family. They relocated to Bakersfield, California, and later settled in Visalia in December 2024.

A Lasting Legacy

Mary will be remembered for her boundless generosity, her infectious laughter, her compassion, and her steadfast belief in the goodness of others. She lived life on her own terms—guided by curiosity, kindness, and a profound appreciation for the world around her.

Her memory will continue to inspire those who loved her, reminding them to live generously, love boldly, and remain true to themselves.