Dorothy Karin Parker

Dorothy Karin Parker died December 1, 2024, from complications of Alzheimer's. Dorothy was born in Chicago, Illinois on September 22, 1932, and raised in the Chicago area. In her youth she enjoyed going to baseball and soccer games with her father, playing piano, reading and ice skating. She married Sheldon Axel Parker on June 20, 1953, and together they raised a family of four children. Dorothy and Sheldon lived most of their married life in Rockford, Illinois where, in addition to raising her children, Dorothy worked in retail and as a computer specialist and secretary for the Department of Defense. Following retirement, Dorothy and Sheldon moved to Las Cruces, New Mexico in 1996 for their mutual love of the desert and mountains. 

Dorothy enjoyed Swedish folk dancing, square dancing, and round dancing with Sheldon, and also enjoyed travel, playing the piano and organ, reading, painting and music. She was a die-hard Chicago Cubs fan, win or lose, and celebrated with all Cubs fans in 2016. She was a history buff and a dog and cat lover. She moved to Albuquerque, New Mexico in 2006 to be closer to family, where she lived until her passing. 

Dorothy is preceded in death by her parents, Arvid and Karin Flodin, her husband Sheldon and daughter Susan Johnson. She is survived by her son Zane Parker, her son and daughter-in-law Gerald and Sandra Parker, and her daughter Linnea Sheets. She is also survived by her grandson Erik Parker and his wife Lindal, her grandson Adam Parker, her granddaughter Krista Parker, and her grandson Austin Sheets and his fiancé Cybele Roland-Holst. Dorothy had two great-grandchildren: Olivia, daughter of Erik and Lindal, and Charles, son of Austin and Cybele. Dorothy was loved by her family and her dog Drew and will be missed greatly. 

A memorial service will be held for Dorothy at Daniels Funeral Home - Southern Chapel, 2400 Southern Blvd. SE, Rio Rancho, NM on December 16, 2024, at 11:00 AM. In lieu of flowers please consider making donations in Dorothy’s name to the Alzheimer's Foundation.