Mara Jannae Parkes Obituary: Spring Valley Singer and Former Student Dies at 21

Mara Jannae Parkes, 21, of Spring Valley, Wisconsin, died November 1, 2026. Remembered for her singing, creativity and independent spirit, she graduated from Spring Valley High School in 2023.

Mara Jannae Parkes, 21, Remembered in Spring Valley, Wisconsin

The Spring Valley, Wisconsin, community is grieving the loss of Mara Jannae Parkes, whose life was remembered in a family obituary published by O’Connell Family Funeral Homes. Mara died on November 1, 2026, at the age of 21. Born on July 29, 2005, she was the daughter of Adam and JoEllen Parkes.

Mara’s obituary describes a young woman whose curiosity, creativity and love of music shaped many of her experiences. She attended school in Spring Valley after her family moved back to the area when she was three years old. She graduated from Spring Valley High School in 2023 before moving to Milwaukee to pursue an independent life.

A Passion for Singing and the Arts

Music became an important part of Mara’s life while she was growing up. She took piano lessons as a child and later discovered her love of singing through middle-school choir. Her obituary recalls that she performed solos, competed in state contests and sang the national anthem at sporting events.

She also developed an interest in ceramics and pottery and learned to play guitar with help from Jeremy Davis and her father. Her family remembered her as someone who embraced artistic activities and approached new interests with enthusiasm.

Family, Friendships and Dreams for the Future

Mara loved animals, music and people. She built close friendships in both Spring Valley and Milwaukee and had a dream of eventually owning her own coffee shop. Her obituary also highlights her outspoken nature, advocacy for people who were often overlooked, infectious laughter and strong devotion to her family.

She is survived by her parents, Adam and JoEllen, grandparents, aunts, uncles, cousins and other relatives.

Celebration of Life for Mara Parkes

A visitation and Celebration of Life were scheduled for Saturday, November 7, 2026, at O’Connell Family Funeral Home, S604 Plant Street, Spring Valley. The published arrangements list visitation beginning at 11 a.m., followed by a gathering and lunch at the Spring Valley Community Center at 1:30 p.m.

As family and friends remember Mara, her musical talent, creativity, adventurous spirit and the connections she formed remain central to the tribute to her life.

Our heartfelt condolences go to her parents, relatives, friends, former classmates and everyone mourning her loss. May they find comfort in their memories and strength in one another during this difficult time.

May Mara Jannae Parkes rest in peace.

Disclaimer

This tribute is based on the obituary published by O’Connell Family Funeral Homes. Her age, dates of birth and death, family relationships, school history and memorial arrangements are supported by that notice. The supplied draft describes her as a singer and former student; the obituary provides further detail about her musical activities and confirms her 2023 graduation from Spring Valley High School. No cause of death was stated in the obituary, so none is suggested here.