“Mother Goose”
Heading: Beloved Mother, Artist, and Friend
Born November 8, 1943. Died at home in Washington, DC, of natural causes on September 9, 2024, at 80 years old. Predeceased by her parents Cora Patterson Nicoll and John Spies Nicoll; her son, David Nicholas Parson; and several cats, including her favorite, Ghost. Survived by her children Larissa Parson and Nathaniel Parson; brother Jeff Nicoll (and his wife Alice Ogden Bellis); grandchildren Nick Parson and Dash Parson; niece Kiya Nicoll and nephew James Nicoll; and former spouse James Thomas Parson, Jr.
Born and raised in the Washington, DC, area, Chris was an artist, teacher, mentor, sister, mother, and friend. After years spent haunting the National Gallery, Christine studied at the Corcoran School of Art, Camegie-Mellon University and with various artists. In 1967, Christine earned a BS at the University of Virginia, and in 1970, an MA in Special Education, also at UVA. Her teaching career included work in Charlottesville, VA, Montgomery County, MD, and at the Jewish Foundation for Retarded Children.
Following the birth of her first child, Nicholas, she focused her energies on art and motherhood. She was a founding artist at the Torpedo Factory Arts Center in Alexandria, VA, and taught art for twenty-five years to both children and adults. Her prints, paintings, stained glass and collages were inspired by her faith, nature, and her children. She was known in certain circles as Mother Goose and will always be a mother to many.
Chris was deeply involved in her community: she served for many years on the Vestry of St. Monica’s Episcopal Church, ran concession stands at her children’s myriad swim meets with the DC Department of Parks and Recreation swim team, and ran the book sale at the Southeast Branch Library for many years. She swam and coached synchronized swimming, and enjoyed many early mornings at The Natatorium on Capitol Hill.
Mother Goose’s generosity was only matched by her desire to have things done the right way. Fond of a good Scotch and a round of dominoes, Chris was known for the magic from her kitchen and cared deeply for all those she loved. She will be missed.
Her memorial service will be held on Friday, September 27, 2024.
10:00am Wake
11:00am Service
Fort Lincoln Funeral Home & Cemetery
3401 Bladensburg Rd, Brentwood, MD 20722
In lieu of flowers, please make donations to:
Alley Cat Allies https://www.alleycat.org/
The Chesapeake Bay Foundation https://www.cbf.org/index.html
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