Amparo H. Parker

Amparo Hurtado Parker born May 9, 1926 went to be with her husband of 60 years Rudy M. Parker after only 15 days of being apart on March 29,2015. Amparo was born between Puerto Vallarta and Mascota, Jalisco Mexico to Jose and Concepcion Hurtado. She had nine brothers and sisters and is only survived by her younger brother Jesus Hurtado Placenscia of Baja California. Amparo grew up in Mascota then moved to Mexico City in her teenage years where she worked at el Hipodromo de las Americas, the horse racetrack in Mexico City where she met many people and had a wonderful life as a young lady growing up meeting horse trainers and owners from Kentucky and hearing stories about the United States were the green grass grows “gringos”.

When she was in her early twenties her parents sent her to live with her uncle Salvador Plascencia, in Tijuana, Baja California. This was a real culture shock from life in Mexico, and away from her family, but as a good Hispanic daughter she obeyed. She found odd jobs in Tijuana making tortillas, waiting tables etc. when she found a job being a nanny for a Navy family in San Diego. The Navy family was transferred and she would go to another Navy family and later ended up in Coronado where she was given high recommendations and went to work for the Wyatt’s. Commodore Wyatt and his wife spoke Spanish due to his relationship with Spain and the Marshall Islands in the 1940’s, so it was a great opportunity for Amparo. Not only was it an opportunity, but it was fate, because that is where she met her true love Rudolph M. Parker. She played hard to get because they could not communicate, but with Rudy’s persistence and English/Spanish dictionary they were married 4 years later and had one daughter Josephine Maria, her second love.

Amparo worked hard and took English classes at Coronado High night school, then went on to get her United States Citizenship. She was a very religious woman and later became involved in the Catholic Daughters of America at Sacred Heart Church because she met the wives of men in the Knights of Columbus and this was her way to give back to the church. Amparo also became involved with the VFW because it was her way to show Rudy she wanted to have his same interests; she became so involved she became President of the Womans Auxiliary Post 2422 in the 70’s.

Mrs. Parker, as she was called by her employers, worked for many people in Coronado including Dr. Donald Dill and family, the Gavitts, the Maxwells, the Bryans, the Faulders, the Burkes, Dr. and Rev. Carter, Dr. and Mrs. Ephron, Rev. Carson, the Smiths, Mrs. Burgess. They all loved and respected her. She was proud to work for them as a homemaker, never a maid, because she kept their houses in order, they always made her feel as though she was part of their family.

She never learned how to drive but never missed a family or friend’s birthday, meeting, work or church. The kitchen fridge was always stocked. She even was seen in a convertible yellow Austin Healy Sprite and a lime green VW bug being given a ride from the grocery store from her daughter’s friends. In her later years with walker in hand; two knee replacements and a hip replacement she would be seen getting on the bus or walking to Albertsons or visiting her beloved husband at the hospital or retirement home.

Amparo was well known for what she gave to others, and to her employers: an organized and clean house plus spiritual and emotional support. She always had a sweet smile and hello for friends and strangers. For her extended family she gave opportunity to come to the United States, by immigration and getting them all an honest living and an education for their children so they also could contribute to this great country. But to everyone her cooking! No food was ever good enough for Rudy unless Amparo made it. Her enchiladas, chile rellenos, and tamales were never to be forgotten, no one, not even her daughter could ever repeat her talent in kitchen. She did not have much money but she gave through her love and cooking for all, never expecting anything in return. Fourth of July, Thanksgiving, Easter, and Christmas were the main events at the Parker household, people would just show up and there was always enough food for everybody. She gave from her humble heart and will continue to give to all who know or know about her.

She will be extremely missed by her proud and loving daughter Josie Parker Dallair, her two adoring grandson’s Parker Dallair from Texas and Paul (Caylee) Dallair from Washington D.C., her nieces Mary Luna and family, Lupe Davalos and family, Lilia Perkins and family, many cousins, nieces, nephews, in-laws, friends who are too many to mention. Her faith and relationships made her the richest person we will ever know. In lieu of flowers please give the gift of TIME, ten minutes an hour to family, a friend someone in a retirement home or someone who needs it. The love you’ll feel inside will be the only reward you’ll need.