Lucille Marion Zimmerman Parker, age 90, of Austin, Texas passed away on March 12, 2013 surrounded by family and friends who loved her.

Born April 9, 1922 in Thrall, Texas, she was the third child born to Edward and Louise Zimmerman. Survivors include her two children, Riley and wife Carol Parker of Seguin and daughter Roxann Parker Lagow of Austin. Lucille is also survived by grandchildren Dr. Van Parker and wife Jennifer of McQueeney, Brant Parker and wife Kristin of Round Rock and Mihira Chandrasoma and wife Babs of Austin. Great Grandchildren Brittni Chandrasoma, Colby Chandrasoma, Meg Knighten, Cullen Parker, Preston Parker and Caroline Parker plus many nieces and nephews and extended family members.

Lucille or “Lucy” as she was known to many is preceded in death by her husband La Van Riley Parker Sr., two infant daughters, parents, Edward and Louise Zimmerman, sisters Ruby Parker and Ella Nora Kautz, brother Edward Zimmerman, son-in-law Dr. Richard Lagow and granddaughter, GiGi Parker Chandrasoma. As a long and faithful Christian and member of Gethsemane Lutheran Church in Austin, Lucille made many lifelong friendships. She loved being a Lutheran and stayed true to her belief in Christ that sustained her through various challenges in life.

She and her husband, La Van were staunch lovers of the University of Texas. Both were some of the founding members of the Longhorn Foundation. They loved attending the UT football games and showed their burnt orange spirit with countless UT memorabilia throughout their home. Additionally, this couple both loved participating in the activities of the Shriners. Lucille was an Eastern Star member and La Van, a founding member of the Lizzyteers.

Lucille had a passion for a beautiful yard, being kept under the watchful care of gardener and friend, Pete Castillo. Her home won many accolades for being a showcase for the Allandale neighborhood. She was a longtime Austin Business woman, belonged to the Austin Women’s League and various other civic organizations. Nothing, however, compared to her love of family. The Parker family enjoyed many years of various family traditions including a Christmas Eve gathering which began by attending a candlelight church service at Gethsemane Lutheran Church, followed by a family dinner, caroling around her player piano and always concluded with a surprise visit from Santa.

This lady loved life, her family and a glass of wine in the evening with her daughter, Roxann and spoiling her little furry “Peaches”. Lucille (Mom, Granny, Lucy, Mrs. “P”) will be missed by many. She had many attributes including a wonderful sense of humor. She loved her arts and crafts, sewing and was known to be one of the most style conscious and feisty ladies around. Having survived Breast Cancer, she knew how important life was and enjoyed it to the fullest.

The Parker Family especially wants to express our gratitude to Heart to Heart Hospice and for her staff of caregivers that included Maria Chagoya and her family, who had been a part of her life for over 21 years, and the more recent helpers, Eva Miramontez, Linda Potter, Beverly Roddy and Jen Crawford.

Visitation will take place on Sunday, from 3-5PM, at Cook-Walden Funeral Home, 14501 N. IH-35, Pflugerville, TX. Lucille’s “Celebration of Life” to be held on Monday, March 18, 2013, at Gethsemane Lutheran Church, 200 West Anderson Lane, Austin, TX. Reception will take place at 11:30am, followed by services at 1pm, with Pastor Karl A. Gronberg officiating. Graveside Service will be immediately following at Cook-Walden Capital Parks Cemetery – Pflugerville.

Memorial Contributions can be made to Gethsemane Lutheran Church, the Alzheimer’s Association or charity of your choice . Lucille Parker, the Matriarch of our family will receive the promise of everlasting life through Jesus Christ our Savior. Thanks be to God for this remarkable lady. To share your personal memories of Lucille Parker, please visit www.CookWaldenCapitalParks.com.

Published in Austin American-Statesman from March 15 to March 17, 2013