Martha Parker Obituary

Parker
Martha "Molly" Shelton
Parker
April 17, 1928
April 4, 2024

Martha (Molly) Shelton Parker passed away April 4, 2024, in Colorado Springs with family by her side. Molly was born in Dunkirk, NY, to Alice Taylor and Murray Norcross Shelton on April 17, 1928. After a happy childhood along the shores of Lake Erie, Molly attended Syracuse University and graduated with a Bachelor of Science degree in Nursing in 1950. She was a member of Alpha Omicron Pi sorority.

After college, Molly worked as a nurse in Dunkirk and then moved to New York City to work at the New York Hospital--Cornell Medical Center. There she met an intern, Dr. Brent M. Parker, and her life moved in new directions. Molly and Brent were married August 1, 1953, and three daughters arrived in fairly quick succession. Molly subsequently stayed home to raise their three daughters, and she volunteered for various organizations, including the Red Cross and local groups. After her daughters had gained some independence, she worked at several part-time nursing positions and increased her volunteer work. Over the years, Molly formed some very close friendships that continued for many decades. These groups gathered regularly for reunions and travel, and these were always wonderful occasions.

During their decades together, Molly and Brent spent happy years in Portland, OR; St. Louis, MO; and Columbia, MO. In Columbia, Molly was a member of King's Daughters and sang in the church choir and University of Missouri Choral Union choir. In 1994, Molly and Brent retired to Colorado Springs, CO, to be near their daughters and because they had vacationed frequently in Colorado and loved the state. They continued to hike and camp often, with trips often including their children and grandchildren. Molly enjoyed 67 wonderful years of marriage with Brent before he passed away in February 2021.

Molly was a member of the Zebulon Pike Chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution, PEO Chapter CE, the Symphonic Guild, and the Garden of the Gods Club. She travelled extensively and visited all 50 states and seven continents; many of these trips included their friends of almost 60 years, Beth and Ted Beattie. Molly enjoyed cooking, needlework, bridge, camping, hiking, happy hour, and church/choir activities, and she especially enjoyed sharing time with family (including dogs) and friends.

Molly was a generous, considerate, and gracious person who was dedicated to her family and friends. She will be greatly missed. She is survived by daughter Margaret Parker; son-in-law, Mark W. Burgess; grandchildren Hillary Burgess Mullen (Lucas) and Parker W. Burgess (girlfriend Kenda Cruz); great-grandsons, Lawson Murray Mullen and Thayer Moore Mullen; and multiple granddogs and great-granddogs. She also is survived by loving nieces, a nephew, other cherished relatives, and long-time friends, all of whom she loved dearly. She was predeceased by her parents; her daughters Martha P. Burgess and Elizabeth S. Parker; and her brother, Murray N. Shelton, Jr.

A memorial service will be held at St. Michael's Episcopal Church in Colorado Springs. Molly had suggested that, in lieu of flowers, memorial donations be made to St. Michael's Episcopal Church, 7400 Tudor Road, Colorado Springs, CO 80919, or to the University of Missouri Brent M. Parker, M.D. Endowed Professorship at MU School of Medicine Advancement, One Hospital Drive, DC205.00, Columbia, MO 65212.