Condolences  to Rea Family  and friends 
 From Olive Kelly  Carroll and family in Dublin Ireland. 
May Rea  Rest in Peace . 

Ar dheis Dé go raibh ar h-anam.

It’s hard to encapsulate how much Ria meant to me… my Super Aunt, Godmother, 2nd mother, confidant and mentor.

So many memories fill my life: being her shadow as a child in Finglas, her and John’s visits to Rush almost every second weekend, babysitting in Lucan when Ciara and Conor were little, and our many trips to LA, spending weeks and months together.

One of my favourite visits was a summer in LA minding baby Sean. We went up the coast to San Francisco, stopping at Yosemite — a truly unforgettable adventure.

Through every moment big and small, Ria was steadfast. Her kindness, intelligence and quick mind were infectious, but if she used her “teacher voice” you bucked up quickly.

“Ria’s coming” is synonymous with a big clean in our family. Not that she cared but as the most amazing cleaner I knew, you wanted your house looking its best for her. On her last visit home in September, she and Mum came to lunch at mine, which was lovely. I cleaned for a week beforehand and my housemates were delighted because the house sparkled like never before!

I’m so grateful we spent Christmas with her. We rushed over thinking we had lost her, but she rallied and we had a lovely last Christmas together.

But my most cherished recent memory is from  January 15th when we sat and reminisced for hours. We laughed about her and her friend Marion rushing ‘on two buses’ no less to meet me the day I was born. I finally got to simply say “Thank you for everything.” I’m so grateful to John for making that precious time possible.

Ria leaves a legacy of love, loyalty and quiet strength. She shaped our family in ways big and small and her presence will live on in our stories and laughter. Her love continues through her children, grandchildren and John. I endeavour to be as good a Godmother to my special Godchildren Conor and Saoirse, as Ria was to me. We will keep her love alive in our lives.

Rest in paradise, Ria. You were loved dearly.

We are so saddened to hear of Rias passing. Our friendship began when we both lived in Woodview Hts. as newly weds! Her genuine  interest in people and love of all children..among other things.. made her a v popular  neighbour and a great friend.  Our holiday in Ballingleanna Co.  Cork brought us closer together until we both moved house and as happens life got busier. And then in August 2024 and Sept. 25 John and Ria (despite her illness) made it to our home and it was as if we were back in Woodview Hts. A great memory to have. 
John, Ciara, Cormack and Sean 
we are thinking of you all....Treasure your precious  memories.
Barry and Rita.

My favourite memory of Ria is of the last time we saw her in person -- at a hotel the day after a wedding in Ireland this past autumn. On a bright September afternoon, we had tea and chatted with Ria and John. Ria was warm and witty and perfectly elegant (considering how tired and rumpled everyone else seemed). It was a true pleasure to spend time with her. 

Ar dheis Dé go raibh a hanam. Táim cinnte go gcastar le chéile arís. 

Jane, Karl & Beatrix xxx

Way too young to leave this earth. God must have had a special project for her. My sincere condolences to the Parker family and my prayers are with you as you begin your lives without her.

Richard Fisk

It is truly powerful how someone Maria can capture your attention and hold it for a lifetime. Having been her student many years ago, I continue to be inspired by her belief in the power of poetry and the way good writing leads us back to ourselves.

Running into her so many years later was simple and unexpected, yet she still had that same timeless light in her eyes. It was the calm, steady and direct presence of a woman who truly knows how to live. Even from a distance, her warmth always seemed to reach my heart, reminding me of the beauty in life. She will be missed and remembered by everyone who was lucky enough to know her.

J.Z.

Good times fly by and sad times seem to last forever but my memories of Ria will last longer ,
It was great to see Ria at Christmas even though we knew time was running out , Ria was great as a kid always having fun , and that's how I remember her. I recall her interview as a school teacher she had to sing which we all knew wasn't a strong point but she sang a totally inappropriate song that upset the Nuns . Ria didn't care ! 
keep smiling Ria

Rea will be sorely missed by all who were fortunate to know her. She will be remembered.
Jay Ross

I loved Ria since the day she was born.  She enhanced my life always in more ways than I could ever say. Im grateful for all the love she gave back and especially for loving my children and grandchildren and making them feel special to her. 

She was  a great  daughter, sister, auntie and grand aunt, wife, mother, and grandmother and I feel privileged that we had such a long, loving relationship. Not everyone has that. 

Just a few months ago in September 2025, when Ria came to Dublin, I have very fond memories of slumming it with  afternoon tea at the Shelbourne with her  and her old friend Marian. 

We also had a lovely afternoon in Avoca at Kilmacanogue at a fashion show and afternoon tea with Fiona. Ria left Avoca with a few bags that time so the marketing worked. 

And we had a family get together at my house.  Everyone got to meet up with her and have the chat and she enjoyed it all. For some people that was the last time for them to see Ria so it turned out to be even more special than we thought. 

And Fran, Fiona and I celebrated Christmas and New Year with her and John and family. It was a sacred time for me and will remember it always. 

Sleep well baby sister. Eva

So sad to hear the news of Rea beautiful memories of her growing up. Was so good to me when my Dad Stephen her nephew passed away. Rest in paradise. Love Stephanie Pearl and Errin xxxx

Beloved Maria was a vibrant and kind lady, known for her genuine smile and care. Maria was a wonderful wife to wonderful John and truly a wonderful mother to Ciara, Conor and Sean. She was adored by her grandchildren and will be dearly missed. May beloved Maria rest in eternal peace. Ave Maria.

OBITUARY

Maria Parker

May 28, 1955 – February 3, 2026

Bastian & Perrott, Oswald Mortuary

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