EILA LAWTON MALLARD PARK

07-11-1924

Eila Lawton Mallard Park passed away peacefully, surrounded by her loved ones, on September 24th, 2017, at the age of 93.

She was born in Philadelphia, PA to Ella Hollenback Mallard and John Boyd Mallard. Eila’s brother, John Boyd Mallard Jr., was born 15 months later.

Eila’s father was a captain in the Navy, and the family was stationed in various locations during her upbringing. Notably, the family lived for several years in Chefoo, China, when Eila was a teen.

She went on to study at Hood College where she earned a Bachelor of Fine Art in 1946.

Eila met Tracy Samuel Park Jr. of Houston, Texas on a blind date while he was an officer in training at the US Naval Academy. They fell in love and married on November 7, 1946, at the Naval Academy Church in Annapolis, Maryland.

Eila and Tracy then moved to Houston, Texas and were happily married for 70 years. The couple resided in Houston except for a four year-period while Tracy Park was on a diplomatic assignment in Bangkok, Thailand during President Kennedy’s term. Eila and Tracy were active charitable members of Memorial Drive Presbyterian Church (MDPC), and they spent seven months in Romania as volunteers building an Orphanage.

Eila Park was an accomplished painter and was active throughout her life in the Houston Arts Community.

Eila Park is survived by her four children Tracy S. Park III, Lawton L. Park, Ella M. Park, and John W. Park. Eila is also survived by her five grandchildren Adam Park, Evangelina Park, Eila Motley, Catherine Park, Lauren Park, and one great-grandchild, Julia Park.

Eila will be remembered for her humor, creativity, generosity, boundless energy, and zest for life. She was an exceptional partner and tremendous grandmother and will be greatly missed.

A memorial service will be held at Memorial Drive Presbyterian Church on Friday, October 27th at 11:00 am. Reception will follow the memorial service.