Maria Elena Parry

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Maria Elena Parry

Aug. 1, 1942 ~ Sept. 26, 2021

Our cherished mother, grandmother, and friend was called home on September 26, 2021.

She was born August 1, 1942. The only child of Juan and Belen Vallejo, she spent her childhood in Salt Lake City and graduated from West High School. Maria spent her career in the automotive industry. She spent many years as a service cashier, where she enjoyed meeting new people and making friends daily.

On April 4, 1973, she married her forever friend and husband Michael K. Parry. Together, they had her greatest joy, her daughter Tracy. There was never a more kind or loving woman than Maria. She genuinely cared about everyone. She was always there for everyone her entire life.

Cooking and food was a passion of Maria’s. Many hours were spent making sure everyone was stuffed. Her grandchildren will forever remember her steaks. Her favorite hobby was shopping; she loved hunting for the best sale. She also enjoyed traveling, seeing and experiencing new places. She had a special fondness for cruises. Maria also had a gift for fashion and shoes. She always looked as beautiful on the outside as she was on the inside.

Maria’s greatest love in life was her five grandchildren. Her love for her daughter and grandchildren knew no bounds. She was exceptionally proud of her grandchildren, telling endless stories of them. She shared a special relationship with each one of them. Granny always let everyone know Tracy and the kids were her life, being more of a second mother to the kids. Nothing was more important to her. Her favorite saying to tell Tracy and the kids was “I love you more today, more today than yesterday, but less than I will tomorrow.”

She is survived by her daughter Tracy (Daniel) Gutierrez; grandchildren Steven (D.J.), Mirissa, Miriaha and Darian Gutierrez; stepdaughter Michelle Farnsworth.

Preceded in death by parents Juan and Belen Vallejo, aunts and uncles, her favorite uncles Albert and Carlos Ybarra, beloved granddaughter Miranda Lynn Gutierrez, and her treasured companion Sophie (her dog).

A funeral Mass was celebrated October 6 at the Cathedral of the Madeleine. Interment followed at Mt. Calvary Catholic Cemetery.