Michelle Parr

Michelle (Marsh) Frances Parr passed away peacefully at CHRISTUS St. Vincent Hospital in Santa Fe, NM surrounded by her family and friends on Monday, July 16, 2018. Michelle was the daughter of William Wesley and Carolina Rodriguez Parr.

Michelle’s story begins aqui en Taos on October 11, 1949. Michelle spent her childhood, grew up, and made many lifelong friends, while attending the Taos Municipal Schools during her early life. She then attended the College of Santa Fe in Santa Fe, NM. Those were some of her most enjoyable years, in which she received a B.A. in education. Later came her most recognized talent, speaking and writing in Spanish. While attending Highlands University in Las Vegas, NM she received her Master’s in Bilingual Education. Michelle taught in her beloved home town of Taos, working as an educator with the Taos Municipal Schools for 28 years. Through the course of her career she touched the lives of so many students with her love and patience. She had a gentle way about her that made her students feel safe and cared for. She was ever so proud to continue the legacy of her father, William Parr, in the field of education. Michelle (Ms. Parr) built lifelong friendships with both students and staff while working for the schools.

Michelle contributed so much to her community which she loved. She also loved to travel. She participated in taking Taos High School students for abroad travels. She toured Spain, Greece and Rome where she was able to visit the Vatican; an exceptional experience she was ever so grateful for. At the Lady of Guadalupe, Michelle was a devoted Catholic, a Guadalupana, and director of their catechism. Michelle was asked by many in Northern New Mexico to write Obituaries and Eulogies for their loved ones. For 68 years her heart has resided at Taos Mountain, where you can find her joyous smile next to her enriching and positive attitude. When Michelle laughed, she filled the hearts and souls of those around her.

She is preceded in death by her parents William W. and Carolina R. Parr, her brother, William (Bunky) Parr, Jr., grandparents Pedro and Francesquita Rodriguez, Pedro and Carolina Gutierrez, aunts Mary Cabot, Rosina Martinez, uncles Pete, Raul and Edmundo Gutierrez and cousins, Pedro and Anthony Gutierrez. She is survived by her cousins Mariana Ramirez (Denise, Darren Isaac, Oscar Simon Zack), Maya Cabot Chacon (Alejandro, Jaime, Mariah and Lexi) Madelyn and Lionel Salazar (Nicole, Anthony and Matt) Robert Gutierrez (Nicole) and Oclides Gutierrez (Michael), Karen Harkins, Dirk Martinez, Carla Oellerich, and Michelle Carrie Blount.

Special Recognition – Leslie Martin (Crystal and Raul Sanchez, Avaya, Aviana and Myriah Mascarenas and fiancée, James Dean), Taran Tucker –Goetz, Weldon and Yvett Driskell (Jalyssa, Jillian and Jerrika), Robert and Sue Trujillo (Robert Louis and Anakaela), and Carmen Brown.

A Rosary will be recited on Sunday, July 22, 2018 at 6 PM at Our Lady of Guadalupe Catholic Church in Taos. A memorial mass will be celebrated at 10AM on Monday, July 23, 2018 at Our Lady of Guadalupe Church. A reception will follow. Burial will take place at the Sierra Vista Cemetery, Taos NM.

In lieu of flowers, please make donations in the name of Michelle F. Parr to Stray Hearts Animal Shelter. 1200 St. Francis Lane in Taos, NM 87571. Phone 505-758-2981.

Arrangements by Rivera Family Funeral Home. To share a memory, please visit our website at www.riverafuneralhome.com