"Life isn't about waiting for the storm to pass…it's about learning to dance in the rain."
-Vivian Greene
Cynthia Jean Hata-Parker joined her mother, Frances Shank, in eternal peace on November 29th, 2014, after a long and courageous battle with Multiple Myeloma. She left this world comfortably, surrounded by her family.
Born in Redondo Beach, California to Robert and Frances Shank, Cindy grew up loving the ocean waves, sunny weather, and sandy beaches, which were reflected in her warm and free spirit. Her bright personality and genuine manner led her to become both her high school Prom Queen and Homecoming Queen. She loved spending time with her family and friends boating, water skiing, and snow skiing. Her boundless energy and passion for fitness also led her to become an aerobics instructor and fitness enthusiast, and she won several aerobics competitions and completed many races.
After moving to Salt Lake City to work with Western Airlines she met and married Norman Hata. Together they settled in Sandy, Utah, where they lovingly raised their three children, Krista, Ryan, and Stacy. She continued to work for the airline for over 30 years, first with Western Airlines, and later with Delta Airlines. She formed lasting friendships with nearly everyone she met, and was always able to provide a smile or laugh not only to those she knew but also total strangers. Her love of travel and employment with the airlines allowed her to explore the world and experience many exotic and fascinating places and cultures. She was able to appreciate the qualities that make every person unique, and yet understand that those qualities connect us all.
Later in life she married her best friend and soul mate, Thomas Parker, with whom she formed a generous and caring household filled with laughter and happiness. Tom's wonderful compassion and steadfast endurance sustained her through the darkest times in her struggle with myeloma. She had a special place in her heart for her many dogs, especially German Shepherds, being preceded in death by Paka, Gretchen, Dee Dee, Maggie, Packer, and Sadie, and will be missed dearly by her surviving canine companions, Cooper and Roc.
She was a light in this world, and her joy was infectious. She laughed easily and often, forgave quickly and completely, and loved unconditionally. She is gone but not forgotten, and we are grateful to have known her and to have had her touch our lives. The legacy of her wonderful life lives on in the hearts and memories of those she left behind. It is said that while everyone dies, not everyone truly lives. Cindy's life was a testament to what it means to truly live: fully, wholly, and without regret.
She is survived by her husband, Thomas Parker, her father, Robert "Bob" Shank, children Krista Sargent (David), Ryan Hata (Jessica), Stacy Hata, granddaughter Adison Sargent, brothers Robert "Bob" Shank II (Karen), William "Bill" Shank (Andrea), and many nieces, nephews, cousins, in-laws, and friends. She is preceded in death by her mother, Frances Shank.
A celebration of her life will be held on Friday December 5, 2014 from 1:00pm to 3:00pm at Le Jardin at Larkin Sunset Gardens Cemetery, 1950 East Dimple Dell Road (10600 South), Sandy, Utah, 84092. In lieu of flowers, please send donations to the following charities:
The Multiple Myeloma Research Foundation (www.themmrf.org)
The Leukemia and Lymphoma Society (www.lls.org)
