Lia M. Parker

Lia M. Parker passed away peacefully on September 17 at the age of 88. In 1949, Lia was the original Spirit of the Fiesta and in recent years became a part of the celebrations again, including being chosen grand marshal of the Fiesta Parade in 2014 and 2019. She enjoyed being part of the festivities and especially loved seeing all the young dancers.

Lia was born in California and lived in Santa Barbara for most of her life. She spent her final years, living at Garden Court, where she originally had worked as a caregiver for others. She made numerous friends with the staff and residents. As a young woman, she lived and worked in Mexico for several years as a teacher, and then returned to Santa Barbara to care for her ailing parents. She made caregiving her life’s work, often becoming an honorary member of the family whose, loved one she cared for. Lia had a strong faith and believed in the power of prayer. Lia found the good in everyone, and never gave up trying to help those in need.

In addition to being a trained dancer, Lia loved to paint and take photographs. She also loved gardening and enjoyed feeding the birds and admiring all things in nature.

Lia was predeceased by her parents, Chester and Luisa Parker and her twin brother, Alexander.

A mass will be held on Monday, October 24, 2022 starting at 10:00am at Our Lady of Sorrows, 21 E. Sola Street, Santa Barbara, CA, followed by burial at Calvary Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, please make a donation to:
OSD Lia Parker Spirit Scholarship, and mail to Old Spanish Days, P.O. Box 21557, Santa Barbara, CA 93121 or to the Garden Court Endowment, 1116 De La Vina Street, Santa Barbara, CA 93101