Ilse Acosta Parker

Ilse Acosta Parker passed away from glioblastoma on Friday, February 13, 2026, in Houston, Texas. She was born in Golfito, Costa Rica on June 7, 1946, the daughter of Erna Vargas Gonzalez and Miguel Angel Acosta Valerio. The eldest of five, she lived her early life in the heart of San José, Costa Rica, among a vibrant community of family and friends. She attended Colegio Nuestra Señora del Sion and then the University of Costa Rica. Because of her academic excellence, she was awarded a scholarship to attend Mount Holyoke College. She graduated from MHC in 1969, the first woman in her family to receive a college degree. She returned to Costa Rica where she worked in the UCR Department of Psychology. In 1970 she married Lance T. Parker, who survives, in San José. They moved to Houston, Texas, in 1975, where she raised her family and resided until December 2025, when she suddenly became ill.

Ilse made friends easily and was known for her love of people, food, travel, and spontaneity. She had a keen intellect and was always expanding her repertoire of skills and knowledge, including the Texas Master Gardener Program and the Houston Community College Pastry Arts Program. Ilse’s cooking and baking were legendary and enjoyed by all who had the good fortune to sit at her table. Ilse was an active member of several communities over the years, including the Mount Holyoke Club of Houston, the Inverness Forest Women’s Club, and the U.S. Pointer Study. Ilse was an avid world traveler and collector of beautiful things, with no distance being too far, and no object being too heavy to put in her suitcase. Ilse was a devoted daughter, wife, sister, friend, mother, and grandmother, generously sharing her love and affection.

Ilse is preceded by two beloved sisters, Virginia (Koty) Acosta and Ileana Acosta. She is survived by sister Milena Acosta and brother Fernando Acosta. She is also survived by daughter Christine Parker Stuart, son-in-law Larry, and granddaughter Isabel; son Patrick Parker, daughter-in-law Shauna, and grandchildren Julia and Jack; and son Lance Parker, Jr. and granddaughter Hannah. Ilse will be greatly missed by her extended family as well, particularly her many dear friends and relatives in Costa Rica.

Ilse will be interred in a private ceremony at Blazing Star Sanctuary, outside of Houston, honoring her love of nature and protecting the environment. A celebration of life will be held on Monday, February 23, 2026, 2:00 to 4:00 PM at Covenant Church Sanctuary 4949 Caroline Street, Houston, Texas, 77004. A live video link will be available for those who cannot attend.

In lieu of flowers, please make donations to Mount Holyoke College https://www.mtholyoke.edu/.