Janet Christine Parkinson

“Mati”, as she was lovingly known, leaves behind her sister Joanne, her brother-in-law Christian, her niece & goddaughter Sophia and her nephew Mark, grand-nephew Noah, her cousins in the U.S.A, Venezuela, Barbados, Canada, and Great Britain and many dear friends all over the world, whom she deeply cared about.

Janet was born in Venezuela, where she lived as a young child before her family moved to different countries in South America and Europe due to her father’s work in the Oil Industry. She also attended primary school in Barbados. From these experiences, her love of travel and discovering new cultures was born. She loved and enjoyed visiting and working in many countries later in her life and as part of her successful career.

Janet was extremely dedicated to any task placed in front of her, from schoolwork to any professional employment assignments, working very hard all her life. Her career started in the clinical labs and Blood Banks in Great Britain as a Medical Technologist in the late 1970’s. She immigrated to the United States in 1980 where she completed some required courses at Texas Christian University in Fort Worth, TX, to receive her certification to work in US Blood Banks. She joined Abbott Laboratories in 1990, where she helped design and develop training manuals for many state of the art laboratory systems. As a Senior Global Service Professional, she trained Med Techs how to operate sophisticated equipment in hospitals all over the world. After 33 years, Janet had just retired in June and was looking forward to new adventures with her close friends and family. She had a very special talent and passion for photography, at which she excelled and was planning to develop this hobby into a more professional career when she retired. Janet was also an excellent cook, always trying new recipes, which she prepared and shared with so much love.

“Mati” was kind, generous and dedicated to her family; one example was her commitment to ensure that her young 13-year-old 2nd cousin in Venezuela received the best education and support for his future. She also loved all kinds of different genres of music, especially Latin Salsa and Merengue. She lit up any room or family party with her exuberance for life and willingness to try any new experience. A fabulous dancer, she excelled from Waltz to Tango! Her family was her universe and she showered us all with intense love. Her radiant happiness infused whomever she was with, so her premature departure has left a very deep void in our hearts.

Janet will be laid to rest on October 29, 2023 at 2:00 pm next to her mother Chela and her aunt Ines at Sparkman / Hillcrest Funeral Home, 7405 W. Northwest Hwy. Dallas, TX 75225. Guests are invited to a reception at the Sparksman Lounge in the Funeral Home after the service.

In lieu of flowers, please make a donation to the American Heart Association or St. Jude’s Children’s Hospital.