Irma Parks

Irma E. Parks, age 93, passed away on Thursday, August 2, 2018.  She was born on July 14, 1925 in Lemont, Illinois the daughter of the late John and Elise McCool.  Her accomplishments in life were many, but her approach to life never waivered. Whether teaching ballroom dance in her teens, raising seven children, serving as their role model and inspiration, working as a proof reader at the Beacon News for over 25 years, pursuing and receiving a bachelor’s degree in theater from Aurora University when she was 70, performing in college and community theater productions (including the starring role in Driving Ms. Daisy), caring for her own pets or volunteering to care for those abandoned, Irma lived a life with passion, intelligence, vibrancy and love. She is survived by: five children, Cheryl Brown (Gus) of Sandwich, IL, John Swords of Phoenix, Arizona, Suzanne Frieders (John) of  Oswego, IL, Mark Swords (Valerie) of Tyler, TX and Jennifer Hendershott  (Jeff) of Ottawa, IL;   and ten grandchildren, Noel Brown, Michael Brown (Melissa),  Lindsay Brown, Michael Swords, Emma Turetsky, Kira Turetsky, Jordan Frieders, Grant Frieders, Terese Swords, and Caroline Swords. She was preceded in death by her first husband, Charles Swords, her second husband, Leroy Parks, her brother, John McCool, her son, David Swords, and her daughter, Laura Swords. Family will be receiving guests Saturday August 25, 2018, from 9:00 am until time of service at 11:00 am at Dieterle Memorial Home 1120 S. Broadway, Montgomery, IL. Burial will be at Lincoln Memorial Park in Aurora. For those wishing to give to a memorial they may direct donations to the Humane Society of Aurora, 600 S. River Street, Aurora, IL 60506 or humanesocietyofaurora@gmail.com For guestbook and directions visit www.dieterlememorialhome.com. 630-897-1196