Canstruction to Remember

Patricia,

We did it!! We repeated your Structural Ingenuity with our structure this year!!
Build night was a blast, stressful at times and down to the very last second, but it was all worth it. The awards ceremony was so nice, they gave us a certificate in your memory and then I gave a speech. I know you were there listening, but I want to share it with you again:

11/13/08 Canstruction Speech;
My name is Lisa Jolley and I am a Project Coordinator at Hanbury Evans Wright Vlattas + Company. I would like to thank the CANstruction Committee for allowing Hanbury Evans and the design community to remember Patricia Parker-Williams in this way. I would also like to welcome SGT. Chris Williams, Patricia’s husband, and his parents, Henry and Arthier Williams, for joining us for this event.

I had the great pleasure of knowing and loving Patricia. She was a vibrant young woman who was passionate about three things: her family, her design career, and helping others in her community.

Patricia loved CANstruction because:
1. It is an event that uses design for the greater good of the community.
2. It makes architects think outside the box.
3. It feeds hundreds of Hampton Roads families.

The design aspect of this event was so important to Patricia that she shared a concern with last year’s CANstruction Committee. “We are architecture firms, and we should design not just mindlessly stack cans on ply,” she challenged us. The fact that using less plywood is more environmentally sound was also on her mind.

Hanbury Evans has dedicated its structure, Yosemite Spam, to her memory. We used a structural system—no plywood—designed by Patricia for last year’s firm entry that earned the “2007 Structural Ingenuity Award.”

Patricia, we know you are watching us tonight. We hope our effort embodies your passion and ideal for design and community. We feel certain you are proud of all that your colleagues, coworkers and friends have accomplished here tonight, and that you are comforted by the knowledge that so many families will have food for the holidays. Hanbury Evans would like to thank you all for taking part in this event and helping us celebrate the life and memory of Patricia Parker-Williams.

We love and miss you Patricia.. Always keep smiling down on us!!

Here are some pictures for those that couldn't be there in person....

Canstruction

I didn't think it was possible to miss you any more than I already did, but alas, I have found that I miss you more and more as this canstruction process unfolds. I miss your laughter, your understanding and your unending support as things get hard. As rewarding as Canstruction is, it is one of the most stressful things I have ever been a part of. As I talked to Chris the other day he laughed and said you sound just like Trish.. I can see the finish line and I truly hope you are proud of what we have done this year, after all it is for YOU!! We did a practice build today and it went very well, the structure is really coming along. I know you would be happy with the design elements we have incorporated.

Please keep smiling on us, we can feel your sunshine and Trust me, it helps!!

Love always,
Lisa

P.S. Happy belated birthday Pat!!

It seems like Yesterday

It seems like yesterday you and I were at having she-crab soup at Nordies, talking about life and about being exactly where we were destined to be. I can't believe that it has been 6 months since you were taken away. My heart has still not recovered from the shock and sadness of knowing that I would never get to share that soup and those talks with my "soul sister" again. You have taken a part of my heart with you Patricia and although I know you are smiling down on us everyday, I can't help but wish I could see you and talk to you just once more. There are so many things I want to tell you, so many things that have happened since you left and that I have had to experience on my own because you were the only one that would truly understand. Chris has been amazing, he is such an awesome guy and I thank God everyday that I have had the pleasure of having you both in my life. I am a better person because of you Patricia and 6 months from now it will still be the same, you are forever in my thoughts and in my heart.

We miss you and We love you - Please keep smiling on us..

Patricia Parker Williams Honor Award

(summary of presentation at June 18, 2008 firm meeting)

In loving memory of Patricia Parker Williams, the firm announces a new annual program to celebrate her life and spirit. The Patricia Parker Williams Honor Award will recognize any individual within the firm who exemplifies Patricia’s qualities. These include, but are not limited to, her scholarship, creativity, curiosity, leadership, positivity, and motivation. In addition to recognition, this award empowers the recipient to keep the firm invested and engaged in important civic causes that reflect Patricia’s heart for charity and goodwill. The recipient will assume the role of “charitable chair” to facilitate the conversation to select an annual charitable project that could range from a community or client cause to a design competition. Each recipient and cause will be documented in a log or “year book” — which will be included in the firm history and timeline. Over time, this will tell the story of how Patricia has had an ongoing impact on individuals and the community as the firm continues to reach out in service in her memory. It reminds us that we can be better individuals and a better firm, for having had the honor and pleasure of sharing a little bit of Patricia’s life and spirit.

Lisa Jolley has been selected as the 2008 and first recipient of this ‘charitable chair’ award. Lisa’s positive spirit, her leadership, her can-do attitude with technology, and her infectious smile embody Patricia’s heart and spirit.

Patricia's Marker

I received this message from Patricia's family last night and wanted to share it. - Lisa

Dear Family;

Sissy’s marker was laid today. Here are some pictures. The cemetery did a wonderful job, and as you can see the marker was magnificent.

Pat and Joe

The cemetery worker lays the marker. He was very efficient and respectful. The funeral director George Weiland was also there. He was on hand for Sissy’s funeral as well.

Here is the detail of the marker. The bronze image is 3D and laid on very nice colored granite.

After the marker was laid we watered the sod and put the flowers and angel back.

Here is Sis and a few of her neighbors. The workers also made sure the adjacent markers were
squared up and level.

Sis’s marker is in the foreground. Her grandfather is at the top of the photo, the marker with the large pot of flowers. You can see how green, lush, and weed-free the grass is around Sis and Dan’s site. This is from our diligent fertilizing and weed treatments. Actually the area is a bit brown from the heat, but this section is due for watering today.

Another picture...

I was clearing out some old photos and came across this cute one of Trish that I took in December and had forgotten about - I thought I'd share.

We miss you, Trish.

The lilies are blooming!

Richard took this picture early last week of the ones on the roof.

Happy Birthday from HEWV

Happy Birthday Patricia. Lisa Jolley made an amazing cake today for you. And Richard keeps your rooftop lilies watered often. We all miss you. I didn't really know you all that well, but I think of you often. And you were on my mind especially today. Happy birthday kiddo - you are one special gal...

Happy Birthday Trish ~

::I miss you::

In Memory of Patricia

On Thursday April 17th 180 lbs of food were donated to the Foodbank of Southeastern Virginia in Memory of Patricia Parker Williams. The assortments of cans and dry goods were collected at HEWV over 40 days as a tribute to Patricia. Thanks to everyone who made a contribution on her behalf.

Dear Patricia, we remember your wonderful smile, your generosity of spirit, your natural inclination to help. It's indescribable how we miss you. Today and always.

Spring Planting...

On Friday a few of us gathered on the green roof of our building to plant Stargazer Lilly bulbs in memory of Trish.









[thanks to Rosie for some of these pics]

From the President of Pratt Institute

Video Link

The following links to a video Patricia's father Joseph asked me to post. I will post what I have, but since I am out of town and only have infrequent access to a computer, it may be a couple days before I can fix any errors - Kurt

Patricia's Video

From Patricia's Aunt Rose

I received this via email and reproduce it at Rose's request - Kurt

We willl never forget our Sissy. She was an original. There will never be another like her. She taught us to love sweetly, kindly, gently, unselfishly; to pursue our passion; to be excellent in thought and deed; to be our greatest, as she was. I daily look at her picture at home and at work and can't believe she has left us. Such a stunnlngly beautiful young woman and with an equally beautiful soul. I will always feel honored to have been her aunt and I will spend my days hoping to be of some comfort to her dearly loved mother and father.

Here is a poem that was read at John Wayne's funeral. Joe, this is for you, as you are a devoted fan of his.

Do Not Stand at My Grave and Weep
Mary Elizabeth Frye (1904-2004)

Do not stand at my grave and weep,
I am not there, I do not sleep.
I am a thousand winds that blow,
I am the softly falling snow.
I am the gentle showers of rain,
I am the fields of ripening grain.
I am in the morning hush,
I am in the graceful rush
Of beautiful birds in circling flight.
I am the starshine of the night.
I am in the flowers that bloom,
I am in a quiet room.
I am in the birds that sing,
I am in each lovely thing.
Do not stand at my grave and cry,
I am not there--I did not die.

Love Always,
Auntie Rosie

Remembering Chris

I have been thinking of Chris in recent days, and thought it time to remember him, too. God bless you, Chris, and thank you for making Patricia so happy - Kurt

What Grieving People Want You to Know
By Virginia A. Simpson, Ph.D

1. I am not strong. I'm just numb. When you tell me I am strong, I feel that you don't see me.

2. I will not recover. This is not a cold or the flu. I'm not sick. I'm grieving and that's different. I will not always be grieving as intensely, but I will never forget my loved one and rather than recover, I want to incorporate his life and love into the rest of my life. That person is part of me and always will be, and sometimes I will remember him with joy and other times with a tear. Both are okay.

3. I don't have to accept the death. Yes, I have to understand that it has happened and it is real, but there are just some things in life that are not acceptable.

4. Please don't avoid me. You can't catch my grief. My world is painful, and when you are too afraid to call me or visit or say anything, you isolate me at a time when I most need to be cared about. If you don't know what to say, just come over, give me a hug or touch my arm, and gently say, "I'm sorry." You can even say, "I just don't know what to say, but I care, and want you to know that."

5. Please don't say, "Call me if you need anything." I'll never call you because I have no idea what I need. Trying to figure out what you could do for me takes more energy than I have. So, in advance, let me give you some ideas:

Bring food.

Offer to take my children to a movie or game so that I have some moments to myself.

Send me a card on special holidays, birthdays (mine, his or hers), or the anniversary of the death, and be sure and mention her name. You can't make me cry. The tears are here and I will love you for giving me the opportunity to shed them because someone cared enough about me to reach out on this difficult day.

Ask me more than once to join you at a movie or lunch or dinner. I may so no at first or even for a while, but please don't give up on me because somewhere down the line, I may be ready, and if you've given up, then I really will be alone.

6. Try to understand that this is like I'm in a foreign country where I don't speak the language and have no map to tell me what to do. Even if there were a map, I'm not sure right now I could understand what it was saying. I'm lost and in a fog. I'm confused.

7. When you tell me what I should be doing, then I feel even more lost and alone. I feel bad enough that my loved one is dead, so please don't make it worse by telling me I'm not doing this right.

8. Please don't call to complain about your husband, your wife, or your children. Right now, I'd be delighted to have my loved one here no matter what they were doing.

9. Please don't tell me I can have other children or need to start dating again. I'm not ready. And maybe I don't want to. And besides, what makes you think people are replaceable? They aren't. Whoever comes after, will always be someone different.


10. I don't even understand what you mean when you say, "You've got to get on with your life." My life is going on, but it may not look the way you think it should. This will take time and I never will be my old self again. So please, just love me as I am today, and know, that with your love and support, the joy will slowly return to my life. But I will never forget and there will always be times that I cry.

From Laura in London, with whom we are consulting on the Rice project in which Patricia was deeply involved, comes this internal email from her office (which I reproduce unedited):

As we developed the Rice project we were required to put it into a CAD model. Patricia, who worked with HEWV our Executive Architects started it and came to London, from Norfolk, Virginia to progress the coordination with the BIM model of the project for a week last year.
She sat near Patrick and worked with our team for a week. We were all impressed at how fast she was in translating project details into the BIM model, or Revit as some one calls it.
It was a real pleasure working with her, always smiling. If Jimmy - from HEWV - hadn't threaten me that I absolutely wasn't allowed, we would certainly thought about trying to keep her with us...

While she was in London, socializing with the team, she mentioned the girl scout cookies to someone in our team and how good they are - these are cookies that are baked for the girls scouts to sell around to raised money.
This team member - I have yet to identify - was really curious and keen to taste the famous cookies.
When she went back, among the other stories I suppose she must have told about us (one I know, she said that AB looks very much like Austin Powers!) she mentioned to Richard, father of a girl scout, that HA was very interested in the "girl scout cookies"!

This year we went to Virginia to work with HEWV, saw the offices, worked with the team and then finally went for dinner. Jimmy invited all on the team and Patricia was part of the group. We had a lovely time and a delicious dinner together.

Only a few weeks after we learned that Patricia died in her sleep of a brain aneurysm. She was 2 4 , just married last year before her husband went to Iraq to fight with the USA army. It was a great shock and very sad time for all our friends at HEWV, and for how small we counted in her life, for us Rice team too.

Katrin and I just came back from another trip in Norfolk, Virginia. After a long time unsuccessfully trying to investigate who at HA(USA) was so interested in girl scout cookies, and which flavour they where interested in, Richard very kindly just gave us a the most enormous box of all sorts. I have travelled with it, not without raising interest and curiosity at airports (What does the box contain Madame? Oooohhhhhh so really they are girl cookies!!!!!!!)...

So here they are. Please come to the Building 2 to taste the famous "girl scout cookies"... certainly there are enough for everyone!

Thanks you Richard... thank you Patricia!

From Jennifer, a former Summer (2006) Scholar in our student intern program- Kurt

I am shocked and saddened by your news. Patricia was such a likable and friendly person. She seemed so well-rounded, intelligent, and driven at such a young age. I admired her for that. I remember she came up to all of the interns after we presented our portfolios to the firm and commended us on doing such a great job. I really appreciated her comments and she immediately put me at ease.

I am so sad to hear of her passing. Please extend my condolences to her family and friends.

Message from Amanda-Jane

I received a message a week or so ago via Facebook from Amanda-Jane Baptiste (who used to work in the Tampa office) - Catherine

I still can't believe it. I'm really really saddened by her passing. I really am. I remember how she, Steve St. Marie, Greg Rutledge and Ruby sat at our table during the Holiday Christmas party '06 and just made me feel right at home since I knew only names and no faces of the people in Norfolk. She was a very sweet and funny girl. I truly wish I would've known her better, but am glad that the much I do know was great.

My heart goes out to her family and her fiance.

Continuing Patricia's Legacy

We received an email from a co-worker that attended Patricia's family services in Washington. He sent a message from Patricia's father to everybody that knew her, which I paraphrase here. It is a beautiful and touching sentiment - Kurt

Mr. Parker had a challenge for all who knew Patricia. She considered it her daily obligation to make at least one person's day a little better; to help out in any way she could, even if only to share a smile. He challenged everyone to follow Patricia's example, and in that way may carry her legacy forward.

We received a message from Patricia's family which I post for all to share - Kurt

Here are some photos of Patricia’s resting place here in Washington. I took these pictures yesterday, the day after the funeral. Please note the angel placed on the top of the gravesite. It was given to Patricia by one of her high school friends some years ago when Patricia guided her through a difficult period. That friend, Adria, was in VB and Tacoma for the viewing and the funeral, respectively. She inscribed something on the bottom of the angel at the time, designating Patricia as her guardian angel. Patricia’s husband Chris brought it here. It will mark Patricia’s site until the permanent marker is ready. Your company will play a role in that marker’s design. Chris will be in contact on that. I also attached a picture of the Puget Sound and the Chambers Creek Golf Course, which is just down the street from the cemetery (this is the same spot as the picture you already have posted). On a nice day you can see the Olympic Mountains (visible in this photo) and the seals and orcas playing in the Sound. I also attached a picture of Mount Rainier, which is visible in the other direction. We are so gratified that Patricia can rest near her family in such a beautiful and majestic setting.

Please accept our deep gratitude and love for everyone at HEWV.

Joe, Pat, and Laura Parker

Serene

We received an email from Seattle today. Our beautiful Patricia will be resting within 100 yards of this tranquil, peaceful location. What a lovely reminder that the world is a more beautiful place for having had Patricia in it, much as we are all better for having known her. Thank you Patricia, for all you have given us. Your life has been a precious gift for us all.

Patricia's Escort

Patricia's journey from Virginia Beach to the Norfolk airport did not go unnoticed. In fact, she had quite an honor guard to lead the way. The Patriot Guard Riders, a group of (mostly) military veteran bikers mustered in the wee hours and bitter cold to see her off to Washington.

Our heros knowingly place themselves in harm's way in defense of our country and their loved ones...but how many expect that it will be their burden to grieve over a lost loved one? Many leave knowing that they may not return to their spouses and families, but how many leave fearing that they may return home for a funeral and to an empty home? This was just one mission that I couldn't miss.

Another escort waited her arrival in Washington. Thanks so much to all you bikers! The entire post, with more pictures, is here.

Patricia's Vegitarian 3 Bean Chili

2 tbs olive oil
1 med yellow skinned onion chopped
1 red pepper chopped
1 green pepper chopped
1 lg jalapeno pepper chopped (keep the seeds for
hotness)
4 cloves garlic crushed and chopped
1 cup vegetable broth
1 28 oz can crushed tomatoes
1 chopped tomato
1 can (14 oz) black beans
1 can dark red kidney beans
1 tbs ground cumin
2 tbs chili powder
1 cup spicy vegetarian refried beans
Adobo seasoning

Toppings: Cheddar cheese, corn tortilla chips

Over moderate heat, add oil to a deep pot. add onion,
peppers,and garlic, saute 3-5 min. add tomatoes & left
soften. add broth, black beans red kidney beans and
stir 10-15 min. add adobo seasoning to taste. Add
cumin & chili powder. Stir in refried beans. simmer
over low heat 5-10 min

My Turn

I think the best thing about Trish for me was how genuinely happy she was for me when good things came along, and she always recognized my worth and pushed me to get what she knew I deserved in life. To have a friend that supportive is rare. She was my best friend. I wanted her to be my maid of honor at my wedding. In the short time I knew her, she gave a lifetimes worth of love, knowledge, support and care. She is in so many things in my life right now and her memory will live on in so many positive ways. I just made her famous vegetarian 3 bean chili last week. I just read the journal entry about the time she killed a cockroach with her huge timberland boot in our Brooklyn apartment. Her blue sweater is in my closet. I used the bathmat she gave me this morning. I am starting a new job next Monday because she pushed me to be the best I can be. “I knew they would see your talent” she said, “Now don’t be afraid to ask for the salary you deserve!” You see, getting the job of my dreams wasn’t enough… Trish had to push me even further. I’m a better person because Patricia has graced my life, and in her passing and hearing so many stories about her from the ones whom she touched the most, I’ve learned so many more life lessons that I’m a changed person. My heart goes out to The Parker and Williams Family.

Adria Taricani

Compiled emils from Trish's Friends

:::Here a few email corespondences with Trish's friends I had after informing them of her passing. They shared heart-warming stories and I feel it made being the messenger of such terrible news somehow easier::::

I'm truly sorry for the lost. I met Trish at Pratt in architecture school. She and I lived on the same floor in brooklyn and we have several classes together. She was a beautiful person inside and out and an overachiever. She will definitely be missed. Please, if you would not mind, I will keep her family and friends in my prayers. ~ Simon See
***************************************************
I was not as close to Trish as some, but know that she had a lot of life left to live. We went to Pratt together, I can still see her smile and hear her laugh in my very recent memory. I am so sorry for your loss, and the eternal reverberation this will have in the lives of her family and closest friends.

Some small part of her does live on in my memory. My time at Pratt was brighter, better and far more bearable because of Patricia Parker.

Best,

Marley Sutton
*****************************************************

I am so sorry to hear that Trish has passed away - I'm kind of at a loss for words. She was a good friend of mine in high school and we both attended college in New York and tried to meet up every now and then. She was definitely one of the most beautiful, intelligent, and determined girls I knew. She was so independent and strong - it's tough to imagine that she's no longer with us. I hadn't spoken to her in so long. It's hard to find reason in losing such an amazing person.

My deepest condolences are with Trish's family and close friends.

Warm Regards,
Nirali Shah
******************************************************
I had lunch with one of my friends who knew trish this afternoon. It was quite nice to sit and talk about silly memories and look at old pictures. i don't know about you, but i'm having a hard time right now because i see her in everything. so much of my current apartment stuff is stuff we had when we lived together. even the snow on the ground is a reminder of how she introduced me to seasons! being from california and all, i had to learn how to make a snowball. she told me about how you guys played in the snow too, in fact, she talked about you a lot. she had a lot of fond memories of when you lived in that dingy old apt with her. she never was one for unnecessary friendships, but the friends she had, she held dear. oh god, how i miss her. ~ Jen Jacobi

*****************************************************

I was this too timid, awkwardly shy girl in high school. I became friends with Trish my Junior year, and couldn't help but notice how confident she was and how little she cared about others' impression of her. She was probably the prettiest girl in the class and didn't care to be "miss popular" because it would require filtering what she had to say and how she acted. I think part of the reason I changed that year and gained so much confidence in myself was through being friends with Trish. I was able to let go of my inhibitions and stop being so self conscious about everything. I will always remember Trish for showing me how liberating it is to just be yourself.
Nirali Shah

Patricia Parker Memorial

Patricia was our inspired leader during our CAN-struction build this past year. In her memory, please consider making a contribution to the Food bank of Southeastern Virginia.

For financial contributions, there are three methods for making donations:

1. Write a letter including your mailing address with "In Memory of Patricia Parker", mail it with your check, made out to Food bank of Southeastern Virginia, to 800 Tidewater Drive, Norfolk VA 23510

2. Sign onto the website, http://www.foodbankonline.org/index.html, click on the "Donate Now" button, follow instructions for Giving Cart, making sure to fill in the Dedication or Gift line with "In Memory of Patricia Parker"

3. Call 877-486-4379 to use your Credit card over the phone, specifying that your donation is "In Memory of Patricia Parker"

Also, for those who wish to make a Food donation, I will be picking up a barrel from the Food bank at the end of this week. The barrel will be located in the Knowledge Cafe at the office of HEWV. For the next 40 days, we will have the opportunity to remember Patricia during our grocery shopping. Please review the "top 10" most needed items as listed on the Foodbank website, http://www.foodbankonline.org/top_ten.html

At the conclusion of 40 days, I will deliver the food to the Food bank, and request a record of the dollars and the pounds donated in her memory. This information will be posted to the blog. We will also send a letter with all the details to Patricia's family. I hope you will join me in making a contribution in her memory. Please feel free to email me at jnorgren@hewv.com with any questions.

One of a Kind

The loss of this unforgettable person is touching the lives of many, many people. I first notice that there was something more than special about Patricia when she and her husband, along with all of the interns, came to my house for a summer cookout and beach day. I was stricken by her kindness and eagerness to help in preparations. I later learned that she was always eager to help anyone in need. About a year ago, I was having trouble with my feet. Patricia brought in special foot lotions, salts and assorted medications. She would call and check on me to see how I was feeling. She would even send me emails reminding me to take care of myself. She had a huge heart for those around her and she loved others with her actions.

As I was getting to know Patricia, I asked her what name she like to go by. She responded "anything but Patty". So of course, I had to occasionally call her "Patty" just her hear her say "NO! Jimmy NO!". She always knew how to make those around her laugh. Knowing Patricia was a humbling experience and I will never be able to forget who she was, how she affected those around her with her eternal optimism, contagious laugh and abundant intelligence. The world around Patricia was and will forever remain changed and is a better place because she stopped here for a while along her travels through life. She is a precious soul and I am blessed to have known and experienced life with her in it.

From the Virginian Pilot

Those wishing to sign the online guestbook can find it here.

Patricia Ruth Parker-Williams passed away suddenly and unexpectedly of natural causes Feb. 21, 2008. Patricia was born June 17, 1983, in Fort Lewis, Wash., to Major Joseph W. Parker, U.S. Army retired and Patricia Ann Parker. She lived the life of an Army family - travelling the world and having a full and exciting childhood. A scholar and athlete, she was a graduate of St. Mary's-Ryken High School in Maryland and the Pratt Institute School of Architecture in New York. After graduating from Pratt with honors, she moved to Virginia Beach where she was an architect intern with Hanbury, Evans, Wright, Vlattas and Company Architecture. She had been married for one year to Sgt. Christopher Brian Williams (U.S. Marine Corps) of Virginia Beach, currently assigned to the 2d Intelligence Battalion, Camp Fallujah, Iraq. Patricia was a loving, cheerful person whose enthusiasm for the positive side of life affected all around her. She was especially fond of children, who were naturally drawn to Patricia's vibrant personality and natural physical beauty. Patricia often volunteered to teach underprivileged children to read. At work she was an innovative, gifted architect and made contributions well in excess and expectations of newly-graduated architects. She was a natural, positive leader at her company and with their clients. She deeply loved her husband, and was planning a formal wedding for all their family and friends in May after Chris's return from Iraq. She loved cooking and cross stitching, and used her talents in those hobbies to make small gifts for her friends and coworkers to occasionally remind them that a token of care can make short work of life's drudgery. Patricia had only two facial expressions in her repertoire: a smile and look of deep thought. Both were amazingly infectious. Patricia was also extremely proud of her families' heritage and the career military service of her father, grandfather, husband and father-in-law in the defense of our country. Her father is chairman of the Board, CD3I International and her mother is a retired school teacher for the Clover Park School district in Lakewood, Wash. Besides her parents, Patricia is survived by her older sister, Laura Michele Parker, a financial aid officer for ITT in Boise, Idaho; her parents-in-law, Senior Chief Petty Officer Henry Williams Jr. U.S. Navy retired, an EMT for the city of Virginia Beach; and Arthier Gail Williams, a teacher's aide at Princess Anne Elementary School in Virginia Beach; two grandmothers, eight aunts and uncles, and a very large and grieved contingent of cousins, friends, coworkers and clients world-wide. A memorial celebration for Patricia will be held from 6 to 8 p.m. Thursday in Smith and Williams Funeral Home, 4889 Princess Anne Road, Virginia Beach. The funeral for the family will be held from 2 to 4 p.m. Tuesday in the main chapel of the New Tacoma Cemetery, Chambers Creek Road, University Place, Washington.

The Rice Team

From India comes this photo of Patricia and her project team. The affection they all share is evident.

Jill and Enrique were 2007 summer interns at HEWV. They have forward the following in remembrance of Patricia - Kurt

Patricia was such an authentic person. In just a few months we saw how big her soul was, and not only her soul, but her talents and her dreams as well. Her caring nature and unwavering eagerness to help others helped us feel at home over the summer. Her potential was only beginning to be revealed.

She will continue living in the hearts, thoughts, and dreams of everyone she touched with her smile and enthusiasm.

We’ll miss you, Patricia.

- Jill and Enrique

Memo from Virginia Tech

To the members of Hanbury Evans:
I just learned that you lost a valuable member of your firm, Patricia Parker last week. We, at Virginia Tech, know how painful that is and the College of Architecture and Urban Studies and I offer you and her family our most sincere condolences.

Jack

Jack Davis, FAIA, LEED
Reynolds Metals Professor and
Dean
College of Architecture and Urban Studies

And From Patricia's Aunt Tricia

The following was in the comments section, I felt compelled to bring it out for all to share - Kurt

Trish, my beautiful, sweet, gentle niece. I cannot believe we have lost you. I can only hope that you know how much I LOVE YOU! The pain is very deep knowing you are not with us anymore and there will not be any future memories to come. How excited I am that you had found a special man to love with all of your heart. How happy I am that you could experience that love in this life.

"Sis" I feel peace in my heart knowing that you left this world and entered heaven escorted by only the best...BOTH Grandfathers.

I love you and miss you.

Aunt Tricia

From Halfway Around the World

We received the following from Mahesh Chitnis, a colleague in India who recently helped us through a production crunch - Kurt

This is really shocking; I don’t have words to say this but this news has deeply moved me.

Well actually we were associated with her for a small time when we were at HEWV office, but Patricia was a source of inspiration when it came to understanding Revit. She was never tired of answering any of our questions. So was she helpful to make us understand the way of working at HEWV. Her loss cannot be filled; it shall be a scar on all of our memories…..a beautiful memory of this kind hearted, loving, dedicated, knowledgeable Girl!!

Please accept my deepest sympathies for her family, friends, and coworkers.

Mahesh Chitnis

Peppermint

My dear peppermint,

It's been 4 days and I still can't believe you are gone. I keep expecting you to come up the stairs or off the elevator any second to give me an update on the flowers or on how Chris is doing. You will forever hold a very special place in my heart. Thank you for being such an AWESOME friend and for just being you. You were so beautiful and loving, so compassionate and understanding and truly had a presence about you that made everyone know that you were special and someone to treasure. I love you Patricia and I will miss you deeply. Thank you for the time that we had and for all the stories we shared and for the families that we love ;) !!

Rest in Peace my dear friend, one day we will meet again.

From Patricia's Uncle Tim

Patricia's Uncle Tim left the following in the comments section on Day 1. The post has since been buried in an avalanche of memories, so I have brought it forward for all to share - Kurt

A precious soul and sweet spirit, Trish we'll miss you. Our family is deprived of a beautiful daughter, sister, niece, grand daughter and cousin. Heaven is far better off now.

Separated by the miles, business brought me to Norfolk. We met each other for dinner, although we had not seen each other in years. We searched in vain for a Thai restuarant, without luck and profuse apologies from you. We settled at a Cuban place and spent hours talking. We walked back to my downtown hotel, you showing me the sites and projects of your firm. I remember thinking to myself what a wonderful young woman you grew into; bright, confident and sweet. When told of your engagement I thought, "what a lucky stiff your fiance must be. He better treat you like a queen".

Memories will pour back on future visits to Norfolk, and I will always remember my sweet niece.

God bless you Trish, God bless.

benediction

Life is short and we do not have much time to gladden the hearts of those who travel the dark way with us.

So, be swift to love and make haste to be kind.

And may our love and care bring healing to our own lives, our community and our world;

And may God's love and peace be ours and be for all people everywhere, today and forever.

Henri-Frederic Amiel (adapted)

In her short time with us, oh how Patricia gladdened our hearts, in so many ways. As so many have written, hers was a presence of infectious cheer and joy, passion and drive, love and kindness. As we reel from her loss, may we indeed be swift to love and make haste to be kind – now in honor of Patricia, to carry on her memory in each kind action, each smile, each hand reaching out to help in love. Her sweet spirit has left us, but may our love and care in her memory bring healing.

A Member of our Family

Today we open our office to welcome the Parker family and the Williams family into Patricia’s professional world – but more importantly we open our hearts to them and to each other.

We are a strong team and we grieve so deeply because our team is a family and as Mike so perfectly stated in his note below to Team 3, the relationships we develop create the strong fabric of our firm.

As time passes may our tears wash away our pain and may Patricia’s memory bring laughter and joy, honoring the joyful person she is - and make our tears a distant emotion. To Patricia’s family and friends and to each member of our firm family, may God bless you and walk with you in the days ahead in the place we call grief and the journey we call life. Jane

Memo from Mike Beaver to the Rice Team

There are no right words to share or actions to take today as each of us absorbs the tragic event of Patricia’s passing. Without a doubt, today, and the coming days, will be the most somber days ever in the history of our Firm. Because we all handle times of sorrow differently, it is important to work through this terrible time at your own pace. Even though the deadlines and needs of our projects do not stop, please take the time you need to get to a point where you are ready to move forward. We are in a Firm and profession where we personally invest a great deal in our work and in doing so develop much more than casual relationships with our coworkers.

Recently the Rice Team has spent more time together as a team than we have spent with our families, and to suddenly lose our team member, our friend, is beyond difficult. She was the heart and sole of the Rice Team trudging through learning Revit and her tireless answering of questions was a remarkable gift of her’s. She never seemed burdened by the plethora of "how do you" type questions we asked all day / every day and she was unflappable throughout the many late nights as Revit issues and production issues emerged. For me she has been a very calming influence on our entire team.

I wish I were there today as you all come into work to share the grief I feel from so far away. Because we all choose to vest in our work and our work relationships as deeply as we do, we have opportunities to earn a living at the same time we develop friendships with our coworkers. We have all been through difficult production periods these last couple of years and it included many late night laughs as a group, as we all shared our stories and our personalities with each other. In the midst of all that we got to know Patricia on an entirely different level as she shared with us stories of her family, childhood and other snapshots of her life.

Again there are no words that can capture how bad we feel at our core with the passing of Patricia and the loss it creates for her family and our Firm. She leaves a void that only a person with her special personality can fill. When we take the time to listen to another’s stories, to share our life’s moments with coworkers and to actually vest in the lives of our colleagues we create a unique place to work. The relationships we develop at work to me are much more the fabric of our Firm than the built projects we collaborate on; therefore, on this sorrowful day I take a great deal of solace in how bad it feels to start saying goodbye.

Please know that as you share today I am with the Team in thought and spirit. It will be an equally difficult time in Houston moving forward as the problems seem so trivial today compared to this time yesterday morning.
Later today I will be sending a note to the Rice consultant and Linbeck contractor team about our loss and Jane has already sent a note to Hopkins. Today we all must do what we do best and work together to get through a difficult time.
Michael C. Beaver

Thoughts from the extended Rice Team

Memorandums and Notes recieved from our extended Rice Team in Houston and London.


Colleauges at Hanbury Evans:
Please pass on to everyone at HEWV and Patricia's family our most sincere condolences. It has been my opinion in working with HEWV that it is more than a firm, but a circle of friends and family who happen to work together.

Again, our deepest sorrow for Patricia's passing.

Regards,

Lisa Osborne
CHPA Engineers
Houston, TX

Jane, Mike:We are all so sad for the passing away of Patricia. We had not yet had the pleasure of knowing her, but we can imagine how profoundly grief stricken you all must be.It is sad when anyone dies, but it seems so much harder when they have just begun to live their adult lives. How terribly sad for her parents, family, fiancée and for all of you.I know that I speak for all of us at Linbeck Construction.Peace and our prayers be with you all.Ed Beck


Hanbury Evans Team:
Let me offer our deepest sympathy for yours and everyone’s loss of Patricia. I did not really know her but I’m grateful I had a chance to meet her in person. My prayers and heart-felt wishes go out to her family, relatives and close friends. I came across this prayer that I would like to share with you in your time of sorrow.

Almighty Father, Eternal God, hear our prayers for Your daughter Patricia whom You have called from this life to Yourself. Grant her light, happiness, and peace. Let her pass in safety through the gates of death, and live forever with all Your saints in the light You promised to Abraham and to all his descendants in faith. Guard her from all harm and on that great day of resurrection and reward raise her up with all Your saints. Pardon her sins and give her eternal life in Your kingdom.

We ask this through Christ our Lord. Amen.

Charles Eggert, P.E. Associate Vice President Haynes Whaley Associates, Inc.


Jane,

I am at loss for words!! I am so, so sorry to hear this news. I met Patricia in London and was greatly impressed with her talents. Please accept my deepest sympathies for her family, friends, and coworkers.

All my best,

Eleni Barzouka
Rice University Project Manager


I am so sorry to hear about the tragic loss of your friend and colleague. Please let me express my heartfelt sympathies for all of you during this time of grief. I think I can speak for the entire Linbeck team to let you know that our thoughts and prayers are with you.

Sheri Roberts


From our team at Hopkins:

I feel very sorry.

We worked together when she was over here in our office last year and got to know her as a very nice and helpful person.

That’s a tragedy!


Regards

Thomas Fritz
Hopkins Architects Ltd.
I’m truly sorry to hear that, what terrible news.

All the best,
Tom Jenkins Architect

Revit Girl

Dear Patricia, I don't have any blueberries today. All of those half-pints we passed back and forth across our partition, full of antioxidants. They were supposed to protect you. And that imaginary cape we teased you about in your role as "Revit Girl." Didn't it have magical properties that could have warded off the dark intruder, death? You always picked us up. I fear we let you down. I miss your contagious laugh, your amazing spirit, your cheerful smile and beautiful face. What a gift you were. Travel safely into this next life, my friend. I know heaven has the doors wide open for "Revit Angel." Love, Deborah

"Hard Hat Tour" at the Va Beach Convention Center - July 2006

That's our dearest Patricia on the far right

A Note From Micky

I received an email from Micky Botez, which I post with his permission - Kurt

I found out from Richard last night and Nick also called me today. It's like someone from my family departed.

It is a dreadful tragedy, a bad joke. I had trouble sleeping last night. God wanted Patricia early, to fulfill a good purpose for the eternity, in heaven... to keep everyone smiling.

Patricia is a great friend and I have never seen her unhappy. She cheered up everyone. That's all I can see in front of my eyes when I think of her name: Laughter, smiles, happiness. If she taught me something in this life, it is this "Stay Happy mate". We talked endlessly about our cars, we both drove a Kia Sportage V6.
 
Sarah and I are shocked. All Sarah and I can do now is say a prayer that her soul will travel to heaven safely!

Dearest Patricia...

This whole day has been surreal. Like somehow you'll appear on Monday as if this was a bad dream.

Your gentle, sweet presence was so special to me and many others in the office. Your laugh was contagious. Your smile so generous and warm. Your energy and enthusiasm made me want to join you in whatever you were doing - whether it was CANstruction or making a quick Starbucks run to get a scone (pronounced scone-nay). I'll never forget your funny "pawing" - jokingly trying to get Matteo's attention. And your funny English accents...

I'm so sad that I won't get to know you more. Your drive, talent and self-motivation made you successful at your profession. But you were also so humble and sweet - genuinely caring to everyone around you.

I was so blessed to be able to get to know you when I first started working at Hanbury Evans - being in the next-door cubicle. Thank you for sharing your tea times with us. For sharing your joys with us. I'm so sad I won't get to see you at your wedding. You knew I was scared to death at the thought of doing your wedding photography - but I was so looking forward to sharing that day with you - what an honour!

We'll miss you, Revit Girl. The third floor will never quite be the same without you.

Much love,
Lady Catherine

Patricia's first day in HEWV

To Patricia

Dear Patricia, I remember the last thing we were talking about the other day was how much we hate doing laundry. You were describing how you were sitting on the table full of clothes and waiting for your laundry done when you were in NYC, with that cute smile on your face.

We had a lot this kind of small chats. And little by little, I know you better and better in these four months while we sitting next to each other. I was thinking of a present for your new home in NC. I was looking forward to your wedding to see the most beautiful bride in the world…

Just like what I wrote in the email to Matt, life is so strange, nobody knows its plan, but sometimes its plan is so cruel.

Sitting here, looking at my monitor, I just feel like I may hear your voice in any minute, joking in that strange but cute England accent with Matt, and I sitting here smile....

Suping

From Patricia's Parents

All - I received an email from Patricia's father, with photographs and memories. At his request, I reproduce it here. - Kurt

Thank you all for your expressions of sympathy. Patricia was our youngest daughter at 24 years. She was bright and accomplished: a graduate of the Pratt Institute and an architect with Hanbury, Evans, Wright, Vlattas in Norfolk, Virginia.

Patricia had been sick all week, and Wednesday evening went to the doctor with flu-like symptoms. She was given some medicine, and then went home. She passed away in her sleep sometime Wednesday evening or Thursday, apparently of natural causes.

Our “Sis” was always a joy. She was a hard worker, made people around her happy, and loved to accomplish things that others couldn’t. We still have our daughter Laura, 26. She is a financial aid officer for ITT in Boise, Idaho.

Below is a small memorial to Patricia. I hope you will all have a chance to have a small share of the joy she brought to us.

Thank you again for your expressions of sympathy. We are proud to know all of you.

Joe and Pat Parker



Patricia (left) and Laura (right) with me at Christmas.



Patricia (center) at her graduation from Pratt. This picture was carried in the school’s journal.



Patricia jumps into a snow drift at Pratt. This picture captures her love of life.



Patricia and fellow architects at a design competition. She loved her work and her fellow architects.



Patricia and her friend Lauren in a canoe on the Niger River near Niamey, Niger.



Patricia and her friends from Pratt, Yessica and Lauren, in Niger watching giraffes.



Patricia at age 3 (left) and Laura age 5 (right) sitting in the White House Rose Garden while we visited with the President Reagan’s staff. They had an opportunity to play with the President’s Chief of Staff while there (he was also making sure they did not overturn any of the Frederick Remington statues that were throughout the West Wing at that time).



Patricia at age 3 in Monterey, California. She is sitting on my lap.



Her high school graduation picture from St. Marys-Ryken High School.



Patricia and our dog Samson getting ready to campaign for our good friend Jim Buck, who was running for re-election of his seat in the Washington State Legislature.



Patricia with Samson when we just got him as a puppy 4 years ago.



The family at the beach in Grand Bassam, Ivory Coast; in Africa. Patricia is the beauty at far left.



At Christmas 2006.



A Norman Rockwell picture, but Patricia was a great cook.



Patricia Ruth Parker
17 June 1983 ~ 21 February 2008