Monica A. Barber-Parks

OLEAN — Monica A. Barber-Parks, 40, of Olean, and formerly of Cuba, passed away Wednesday (Dec. 17, 2025) at Strong Memorial Hospital, following an unexpected illness.

Born Nov. 25, 1985, in Olean, she was a daughter of Leroy Clayson and Marilyn Caster.

Monica was a graduate of Cuba Rushford Central School and later attended Nantucket Valley Community College. She was inspired to become a registered nurse one day.

She worked as a certified nurse’s aide in the area for several years, as well as several Tim Horton’s, and most recently became disabled due to heart disease.

Monica was naturally artistic and loved making crafts, specifically macrame. She was a free spirit, who loved the “hippie style” appearance. She loved her children dearly, despite struggles she endured, loving and forgiving to family and friends. She loved her children and enjoyed watching them grow up.

She was an avid animal lover and even raised a pet chipmunk, Buddy.

She is survived by her Kindred Spirit husband, Robert Parks; her mother, Marilyn (Daniel Moore) Clayson of Olean; maternal-grandmother, Joyce Becker; an uncle, Richard “Jasper” (Linda) Caster; an aunt, Barbara (Paul) Mikush; three sons, her twins Clayson and Harrison Barber and Dawson Bergreen; a brother, Shawn (Rebekah) Clayson; a sister, Sara (Wade) Porterfield; and several cousins, nieces and nephews.

In addition to her father, Leroy, she was predeceased by her maternal grandfather, Robert Caster; paternal grandparents, Elmer and Annabelle Clayson; an uncle, Jake Caster; an aunt, Regina Caster; and her twin-like cousin, Kimberly Caster

Services will be private and held at the convenience of the family.

Arrangements under direction of the Mark F. Rinker Funeral Home & Memorial Service, Inc., Cuba.