Ann Marie Parker

Ann Marie Parker, 49, of Pflugerville, Texas passed away Tuesday, February 18th 2020. Ann Marie was born in San Antonio, Texas on January 2nd, 1971. Ann Marie graduated first from Robert E. Lee High School in San Antonio, Texas, and then from the University of Texas, Hook Em Horns. Ann Marie Patino was married to Jim Parker on October 18th, 2003.

The world truly became a better place when Ann Marie started teaching 4th grade at St. Francis School. Her kind, gentle, and patient spirit allowed the nurturing of hundreds of children, many of whom had struggled in other educational environments. Ann loved being in the classroom. She respected each student’s individual learning style, and she was constantly adjusting her classroom design to adapt to each group’s needs. She also loved researching and implementing new lesson plans. She truly loved working with her 4th grade teaching team. Her true super power was her ability to remain calm and present in a classroom full of students. If you had Ann as your teacher, you were certain you were being seen and being heard. Many lives were touched and many lives were changed by experiencing Ann as their teacher.

Ann was an avid sports fan. She loved her San Antonio Spurs, her Dallas Cowboys, her Texas Longhorns, and her Houston Astros. She loved going to San Antonio and watching games with her Daddy. She transformed her husband, Jim, into a Spurs and Longhorn fan (and maybe even reluctantly a Cowboy fan). She would often look to hang out with her fellow fans in the school hallways jawing about last night’s game, recent trade rumors, or “what they needed to do next year.” She actually prided herself on being very knowledgeable in sports.

One of Ann’s true passions was shopping. She and her mama would spend hours together shopping and sharing time together during her visits back home in San Antonio. She spent many Saturday afternoons shopping in Austin after her morning workout and long breakfast with her workout buddies. She had a special affinity for shoes and bags, and she was always willing to model her new purchases.

At heart, Ann was a homebody. She cherished her time with her husband, Jim, and was very protective of their alone time. Ann loved watching movies, her “shows”, and playing games. Oh how she loved her games. Many people were surprised by her super competitive side that would come out during longer strategy games. She was also an avid reader, devouring books for hours at a time.

Ann loved hiking, walking, running, and working out with her husband, her father-in-law, and with her girlfriends. She loved to travel, and would go on long road trips during her summers off. Ann was constantly seeking opportunities to be more adventurous, something that wasn’t natural to her, but something she truly desired.

Finally, Ann was a true and loyal friend. She was an introvert at heart, but once you were in her circle of love, you truly felt her presence. She was an amazing listener. She was funny, intelligent, and introspective. She was joyful and playful. Ann never stopped trying to grow as a person, Ann lived a truly blessed life, and she blessed everyone around her with her presence.

Ann Marie Parker is survived by her mama, Mary Agnes Patino; her father, Jose Victor Patino; and her husband James Patrick Parker.

Ode to Ann Marie

This bard, so enamored with that one special muse

Constantly searching for new points of view

So many of my words celebrate our love, you and I

but on your strength and your beauty these lines will rely

What warmth awaits on those that you shine

Your chocolate pools, your soul so divine

My fingers get lost in your thick curly tresses

Like our lives so entwined, your presence truly blesses

All who call you friend, and all whom you touch,

For this scope is so large as you give out so much

Hundreds of young people whose lives you have changed,

To call you their teacher, their parents arranged

For in a room full of children you’re so calm, you’re so steady

For each of your students, your attention so ready

You are completely present, they are heard, they are seen

They live with the certainty on you they can lean

You are so deliberate in your attention to detail

So savvy and clever in the world of retail

You are sweet and patient and ever so kind

What I love most? Your intricate mind.

You explore this world with purpose and passion

Whether its house hunting, healthy lifestyles, or a bit about fashion

Jumping in with gentle spirit and unbridled joy

You push yourself out there, despite being coy

As a friend you are loyal, and thoughtful, and fun

As a partner you are my stars, my moon, and my sun

As a daughter you provide such love, joy, and pride

As a citizen of this planet, you take everything in stride

You are a lesson in style, composure, and grace

No matter the obstacles you have had to face

Your spirit and essence exude a warrior’s being

With eyes wide open, it’s beauty you keep seeing

So thank you my muse, for showing all of us the way

Exhibiting strength and beauty in this world in this day