Marie Parks

Born Marie Danczak on May 6, 1946 in a liberated prison camp in Heilbronn, Germany, she entered the
world under extraordinary circumstances. Her parents were, Ukrainian born former forced-labor prisoners
of war, living on minimal means and holding tightly to hope for a better future. Ten months later, they
welcomed her brother, John, born irish twins they remained close their entire lives. The family stayed in
Germany while awaiting sponsorship to America.

In 1951, the family immigrated to the United States after a three-week cargo-ship journey through Ellis
Island. They settled first in Pennsylvania and eventually made their way to Santa Ana, California. Marie
entered first grade speaking only Ukrainian, and—with characteristic determination—taught herself and her
parents English.

Marie graduated from Santa Ana Valley High School in 1965, where she met the love of her life, Ted. They
married the same year, shortly after she graduated, and she joined him at Berkeley, where he played football
on scholarship.

Their daughter Kimberly was born in 1966, and soon after, Marie and Ted began their seven-year coast-to-
coast adventure when Ted (and Marie!) was drafted by the Kansas City Royals. They lived at various times in
Florida, Pennsylvania, New York, and Ohio. In 1970, they welcomed their second child, a son, Blaine, born in
Nebraska—and on the road.

Throughout the baseball years, Marie worked tirelessly to make every stop feel like home. While Ted chased
his dreams, Marie focused on hers: motherhood. Often carrying the load of parenting and the home front
alone, she created stability wherever they landed.

When the kids reached school age, Marie and Ted settled into post-baseball life. They lived in Santa Ana,
Irvine, and Portola Hills before finally moving back to Santa Ana, where they remained. Over the years,
Marie worked at Prudential Insurance, JCPenney, and Foothill High School—but somehow, never left home
before the kids and was always waiting when they returned.

Marie enjoyed caring for her homes, yards, gardens and her family. As a mother, she was loving, strict, and
ever present. She spent countless years managing, coaching, and supporting Kim and Blaine in youth sports
and everything they pursued.

She loved to travel and had seen nearly all 50 states and Canada. She and Ted cruised to Alaska, lost their
fair share of money in Las Vegas, and renewed their vows in 1990 for their 25th wedding anniversary. They
were in New York during 9/11, a trip she never forgot. She took care of her Mom with nearly daily visits for
10 years—an act of devotion that defined her. She very proudly become an American citizen in 2007.

Marie loved people and made many friends along the way; she also lost a few. She could be misunderstood at
times, and the only thing bigger than her attitude was her heart.

Her family grew with the additions of her son-in-law Carl and daughter-in-law Alicia, and eventually four
grandchildren—Kayla, Carly, Haley, and TJ. Now “Mimi” she really enjoyed being a grandma, even if she
wasn’t the “babysitting” kind. In 2022 and 2024, she became a great-grandmother, or should we say Great
Mimi, to Caxton and Cozmo. She was obsessed.

Marie’s health declined in recent years as she fought to recover from a debilitating fall. She spent more time
in doctors’ offices and hospitals than anyone deserved, but she faced it all with grit. In true Marie fashion, she
signed herself out of the hospital so she could spend Thanksgiving at home with her family. She left the house
for the last time the next morning and passed away peacefully a week later.

Marie is survived by her husband of 60 years, Ted, daughter Kimberly (Carl), son Blaine (Alicia), four
grandchildren, two great-grandchildren, and many extended family members and friends. She is preceded in
death by her parents, Ted and Anna Danczak, and her brothers, Patrick and John.

Marie was passionate, loyal, and unapologetically herself. She loved deeply, spoke her mind, and stood firmly
for the people she loved. 

She will be missed beyond measure.

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