Our beloved mother, grandmother, sister, and friend Barbara J Brown passed away at the age of 72 on May 12, 2017. Barbara was born on August 31, 1944 in Salt Lake City to Lawrence and Evelyn Roach. She grew up with two brothers and four sisters including her twin sister Bonnie. She spent most of her childhood in South Salt Lake helping out on her father's dairy farm.
When she was a teenager the family sold the farm and they moved to Holladay where she attended Olympus High School. It was there she met and married Ron Parkin. The two of them had two sons, Dean and Ted. Being a mother became Barbara's most enjoyable and passionate part of life. In 1972 she gave birth to her only daughter Nicole. She spent her life dedicated to raising her children. As a single mother for many years she worked hard, always provided, and ensured her children's happiness was her priority. No sacrifice of her own was too big when it came to her children, and later her grandchildren.
In 1980 Barbara bought her own home and moved her family to West Jordan. This is where she would spend the next 15 years continuing to work hard and raise her family. On February 10, 1990 she married her beloved Allan and later in 1995, they were sealed in the LDS temple.
Throughout her entire life, Barbara had tremendous faith and a deep love for her Lord and Savior. She always knew of his love for us and would often share her knowledge and remind her loved ones to be close to him and follow his teachings. Barbara loved to collect photographs of her loved ones and enjoyed scrapbooking. Later in her life she was lucky enough to visit the Hawaiian islands several times. She fell in love with the islands and when she was there she always felt great happiness and peace. The last six years her chihuahua dog "Benny" was her best friend and faithful companion. The greatest love of all in Barbara's life was her grandchildren. Until the end of her life she was constantly thinking of them and their needs. She always wanted to do for them and often would do and give more than she should have.
There's a magic in a Mother's touch, and sunshine in her smile. There's love in everything she does to make our lives worthwhile. We can find both hope and courage just by looking in her eyes. Her laughter is a source of joy, her works are warm and wise. There is a kindness and compassion to be found in her embrace, and we see the light of heaven shining from a Mother's face - Author Unknown
She is survived by her children, Dean Parkin, Ted (Nanette) Parkin, and Nicole (Ken) Ringer. Her nine grandchildren, Michael, Courtny, Jerica, Rebecca, Sarah, Alec, Grant, Cloe, and Mason. Her sister Marlene Weston and her Brother Michael "Mickey" Roach.
Barbara is preceded in death by her husband Allen Brown, her parents Lawrence and Evelyn Roach. Her brother Keith Roach, sisters Patricia Roach, Raquel "Kelly" Dove, and twin sister Bonnie Canada.
Friends and family are invited to attend a funeral service on Thursday, May 18, 2017 at 11:00 am at Larkin Sunset Gardens Mortuary, 1950 E. Dimple Dell Rd., (10600S.) Sandy. A visitation will be held from 10:00-10:45 am prior with a graveside service to follow at Larkin Sunset Gardens Cemetery.
