Erica Rochelle Parks

Erica Rochelle Parks obituary

Erica Parks Obituary


ERICA ROCHELLE (BRANUM) PARKS
May 18, 1982 ~ October 16, 2017

Erica Rochelle (Branum) Parks entered the world on May 18, 1982 in Eugene, Oregon. For the next 35 years her stubborn tenacity and zest for life touched everyone she knew as she battled cancer and all the "normal" twists of growing up, and becoming an adult, wife, and mother. Erica embraced art, singing, Girl Scouts, friends, and family with an unparalleled strength. She lost her fight on October 16, 2017 in Longview, Washington, but everyone and everything Erica touched will never be the same.
Born to Richard and Gail Branum, she joined a sister and started on her life journey. At age two her family moved to Vancouver where she continued on her journey. Erica attended Evergreen public schools from Kindergarten through 12th grade, graduating from Evergreen High School in 2000. During those years she tackled basketball (nope), track and field (hmmm), and volleyball (pretty good!), but learned that sports was not her niche, despite being 6'2". Singing was a better fit. From elementary choir to EHS Women's Ensemble State Champions Erica lustily graced everyone with her rich alto voice. Through all those years, though, her love of art and Girl Scouts never waned. She was one requirement away from achieving the Girl Scout Gold Award when cancer struck the first time. Her priorities turned to school and life, and Erica never looked back. Friends, drama, and art became her focus throughout the rest of high school.
After attending Clark College, she transferred to Western Washington University. While there, Erica met the love of her life, battled cancer again, and earned a bachelor's degree in Art in December 2005. By far the most important thing from that leg of her life's journey was Bryan, the man she married in March of 2006. By year's end, Erica became a mother for the first time when her son was born. By the time his sister joined the family they were settled in Longview. Priorities shifted to family, art, friends, Girl Scouts and living life to the fullest, despite repeated health set-backs. For the rest of her life those were her main focus.
Erica is survived by the following loving family: husband, Bryan Parks and children, Warren and Leah at home in Longview; parents, Richard and Gail Branum of Washougal; sister, Mattea (Dan) Bartleson of Coulee City, WA; "bonus" parents, Greg and Debbie Parks in Montesano, WA; and "bonus" siblings, Greg (Melissa) Parks Jr., Abby (Mike) Gourdin, and Brett Parks; in addition to 1 nephew and 5 nieces.
A Celebration of Life will be held in Vancouver on Dec. 2, at Vancouver Elk's club (time TBD). Private family interment is planned for the Washougal Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, her family requests that you do what Erica posted on Facebook on September 24;
"Cherish every moment with those you love.
Even if they're driving you crazy!"
Please sign her guest book at: www.columbian.com/obits.

Published by The Columbian on Nov. 5, 2017.
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Memories and Condolences
for Erica Parks

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I met Erica 2 years ago when I switched into her troop. From the first day I saw what an amazing person,friend and mom she was. She was a role model and I aspire to be like the strong and courageous woman she was.
Erica I miss you so much. You will always have a place in my heart, and will not be forgotten.

This is goodnight and not goodbye.

Taylor Hennings

December 2, 2017

Erica loved sharing her knowledge and enthusiasm with everyone, especially girls. I first met her out at Camp Evergreen when we got into a discussion about camp songs and how lyrics are different in different areas and ended up singing our favorite songs. Erica was active and wanting to help girls, coming up with and planning events in our area. Anyone who met her knew she just wanted to share her love of Girl Scouts, life and laughter. On behalf of the many girls Erica has touched, I want to express how she will be sorely missed and thank her for all she has done for them.

Those we love don't go away, They walk beside us every day, Unseen, unheard, but always near, Still loved, still missed and very dear.

Catherine Smith

November 21, 2017

Oh Erica, how we miss you so very much. Your love of Girl Scouts was felt by everyone around.

I continually look for message reminders from you. You always kept me on task in the Troop and SU when schedules filled up. I miss the late night Facebook messages, the laughing, the songs, the jokes, and you. I miss you. We all do.

Cancer sucks. It's not fair. This world lost an amazing woman, mother, friend, and Girl Scout too soon. You will be forever remembered in our SU and especially in the lives of all those you touched.

Good bye my sweet friend, until we meet again.

Rae Davenport

November 20, 2017

Rae Davenport

November 20, 2017

Rae Davenport

November 20, 2017

Rae Davenport

November 20, 2017

Rae Davenport

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Rae Davenport

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Rae Davenport

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Rae Davenport

November 20, 2017

Rae Davenport

November 20, 2017

Rae Davenport

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Rae Davenport

November 20, 2017

I only had the privilege of knowing Erica for one year but that year was enough time to learn how amazing she was. Erica made a strong impact on my life in that short time and I just wish we had more time together. Each time I see a puzzle I will be reminded of her.

Schona Kessler

November 13, 2017

Gail and Rick, losing a child is one of the hardest things in the world to have happen to you. My heart hurts so much for the entire family. So many good memories of Erica (Stilts) during her Girl Scout years. She was a marvelous role model for the younger girls and so full of life. I'm so sorry for your loss.

Diana Shaw

November 13, 2017

I met Erica at Camp Evergreen. She was very nice to my daughter and I. My condolences to her family and friends.

Dana Gaches-Cruver

November 13, 2017

I hope you know how much you have impacted my life. I miss and love you!!

Montana Maichel

November 13, 2017

I was lucky enough to have Erica as a co director for Camp Segonku. I have never met a stronger and braver woman then her, she taught me so much. I cant beleive I wont be able to hear her voice again. Already miss you Lady, but I am so thankful that you are no longer in pain or having to fight. Thank you for everything you have brought to my life.

Brandy Clarno

November 8, 2017

Erica was part of her family who visited Alberta for her grandfather's 90th birthday in 2015 (he died a year later). At the time many forest fires were burning and as a result mountain views were not at their best. Erica left before taking a photo of the Rocky Mountains from the back of the house; however, she captured in her mind what the view was when she and her mother were driving south on their return home. Just as the loving and caring person Erica was, she later sent a black and white drawing of what she remembered the view to be, which was almost spot on! Needless to say it is a drawing done by Erica that I will cherish for ever. Gone but certainly not forgotten. Your loving step-grandma.

November 7, 2017

Thinking about so many Girl Scouts memories with Stilts. Camp songs, silly stories, and lots and lots of laughter. That's how I remember Ericawith a big, open-mouthed smile & bursting-out laughter. I learned a lot from Erica in those years of Scouts together, one of the most important being confidence in who we are created to be. Erica lived that out, and we can honor her by living that out as well. Be blessed, all of you who are grieving for Erica. I am praying that as God brings memories to mind, each of you will smile, cry, laugh, or ponder what He wants to show you about living life to its fullest!

Heather (Jutila) St.Hilaire

November 7, 2017

This might be a silly memory of Erica but one that always makes me smile when it comes to me. Gail and Erica had come to my home for a shower and were a bit early. Erica was looking so adorable in her pretty dress and toting a cute lunch box. Gail and I had went to the kitchen to do some finishing touches and I had told Erica to help her self to some treats I had displayed. When we came back to dining room much to my surprise the treats were almost gone. Gail had asked what happened to all the goodies and Erica said with a big smile Pam told me to help myself to the treats and so I did and put them in my lunch box. There was no way I could be upset with her as she just took me literally and she was so darn cute. Even now I get a a big smile when thinking of this. I can still see her with that same smile or her laughing.

Pam Weise

November 6, 2017

I will cherish the time we had at camp Lewis.

Justin Kise

November 6, 2017

Rita Hagen

November 6, 2017

We met in an Animation Class, and you were always my Artsy Fun Friend. GO DRAW IN HEAVEN

Lyon Richardson

November 5, 2017

Missing you.

Kathie Salter

November 5, 2017

Rick, Gail, Bryan, Warren, Leah, and Mattea,
It's hard to find the right words to express how sorry we are. Our hearts hurt for all of you as you struggle with the loss of this most amazing wife, mom, daughter, sister, and friend. We hope as the days go by that all of the great memories of Erica will bring you all some comfort. Thoughts and prayers for you all.

Bob & Jan Alexander

November 5, 2017

Erica was my first friend. This seems to be the common statement made by those who met her at a young age. Which I'm sure comes as no surprise to anyone who has ever met Erica. Who was always excited to meet new people. I was fortunate to get to spend a lot of time with Erica in my youth and learn from her what a real friend is. She was there for me through one of the hardest times of my life, and helped me to never feel alone, even if she didn't know it. I'm deeply saddened that as we aged and life took us in different directions and I didn't attempt to bridge the gap. Thus I wasn't there for Erica during the hardest times of her life. When the world loses such an altruistic soul there just aren't enough words to express the loss, I will miss her rings so empty. So, I will do as she wished and love those I have even when they are driving me crazy!

Megan VanDyne (Fraley)

November 5, 2017

You were such a bright light! We always think of you and will still do. We love and will miss you.

Natacia, Jared & Kira Louvier

November 5, 2017

Erica was a very loving, caring, creative and enthusiastic niece who graced this earth with her presence. She is truely missed!

Reginald Jones

November 5, 2017

My condolences for the loss of your loved one. Although I only met Erica a few times, It was obvious she had a beautiful heart. Take solace your many memories and comfort in each other. Blessings!

Jeri Cpnnolly

November 5, 2017

Sending my deepest condolences. May she Rest In Peace..

Joyce Ritchardson

November 5, 2017

I met Rica online back in '98, when the Internet was just starting to become accessible. We became friends, wrote stories together, and I was fortunate to visit her a couple times in the early 2000s. I wish life would have let me head out there more often, but we remained long distance friends. I, like so many others, miss her terribly. However, she lives on through her art, a number of pieces of which hang on my walls. Our last conversation inspired a comedic original story that has now been submitted as part of my midterm project. I have faith she'll continue to help us create new art in many mediums for years to come. I know she will for my writing.

Miss you, my friend. Rest easy. You've made the world a far better place.

Emilie Peck

November 5, 2017

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