Melissa was my best friend, she was my confidante, my partner in crime. We did so much at the church taking turns being President of the youth group, of the choir, and any other thing we could do for the people of the church. I remember David Pena climbing a tree to shake the pecans out when we were all hired to pick them up for harvesting. We built a stage, laid concrete, put a roof on a church, and we even put linoleum in a kitchen. We had so much fun just acting silly. Melissa, I Miss YOU!!!

In high school she directed a short play she wrote and I was in it. I always liked her. She was really cool but always professional even as a teen. We talked about the play "Picnic" once. I am very sadden that she is no longer here but I know she lived life to the fullest. I am bless that I knew her. Oh yes one last thing when she was pleased with things...she always paused then she would smile. That is what I really liked about her.


I first met Melissa, I think it was the summer of 2006  when Melissa and Indra came for a visit to my dad's home in NJ while I was visiting.  I remember it as though it were yesterday.  To me, Melissa was a rare person that you instantly feel 100 percent at ease with. My family was treated to an impromptu singing of Oklahoma of the great trio Katie, Indra and Melissa that visit. We had fun in the sun and pool and it was nice to have new family.  Though I only spent time with Melissa one other time at Todd and Katie's wedding, where I was once again blessed to hear her sing in an intimate setting.  More importantly, I got to witness the amazing friendship she shared with Todd, Katie, Indra and their wide but close group of friends.  It was and will continue to be something I hold special.   I love not only how the friends are bonded, but the families.   Sending love to all of Melissa's friends and family from the Caplan-Svartz Family spread from TX to Arkansas and Czech Republic. We are all better for having known Melissa.  


I sang with Melissa a couple of years at synagogue, High Holidays.  She was a fun, always cheerful colleague, and, of co urse, a fabulous singer.  I believe there are still a few comments we wrote in the music!  Goodbye, dear Melissa.  RIP.

I had the extraordinary privilege & good fortune to sing with Melissa on several occasions. She was a commanding presence & a perfect colleague.
We performed together in Gilbert & Sullivan, and the infectious joy of those works combined with the effervescence of her personality & presence,
made those performances unforgettable for me ! She was magical...on stage & off, and one of the finest singing actresses I have ever had the pleasure of
working with !  Her passing has left all who knew & loved her bereft beyond words, but her presence in our lives ( for however short a time ) will
forever remind us of the truest meaning of kindness, joy, humanity at its best, laughter, music & of course LOVE !!!  Farewell Dearest Melissa !
I love you !!!



I had the honor of meeting Melissa on the occasion of her many appearances with Utah Opera Company. Although I am "just" a chorus member, she was as kind and friendly to me and the other chorus members as she was to any of her peers. She was such a shining light and I'm so sad that I will not get to bask in that light again.
You are so very dearly loved and will be so sorely missed, Melissa.

I had the immense good fortune to share the stage (and indeed the tour bus) with Melissa during the NYCO Daughter of the Regiment National Tour!  We sang 86 performances in 66 cities all across the US!  I count myself lucky to have known her and greatly admired her superb talent!  I know the Operatic Stars who make up the Heavens will welcome her into her eternal rest!  She will be missed!!!!

Melissa was a ray of sunshine in the heart of Grace United Methodist church. She sang songs like angles and always spread good cheer. Watching her and my sister play together was the essence of childhood as it should be. Melissa, you are loved and you will be missed.

OBITUARY

Melissa Mary Parks

July 20, 1969 – March 22, 2019

Riverside Memorial Chapel

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