Dorothea Parker

Dorrie Parker

Parker at the 1950 British Empire Games
Personal information
Birth name	Mary Dorothea Parker
Born	(1928-08-10)10 August 1928
Died	24 December 1993(1993-12-24) (aged 65)
Spouse	Reg Smith
Relative	Clem Parker (brother)
Sport
Country	New Zealand
Sport	Athletics
Event	Sprint
Achievements and titles
Personal best(s)	100 m – 12.0 (1950) 200 m – 24.6 (1950)
Medal record Representing New Zealand Commonwealth Games 1950 Auckland 440 yards relay

Mary Dorothea Smith (née Parker; 10 August 1928 – 24 December 1993) was a New Zealand sprinter. At the 1950 British Empire Games she won a silver medal in the 440 yards relay, alongside Shirley Hardman and Lesley Rowe. She also ran in the 100 yard, 220 yard, and 660 yard relay, placing fourth in each event. She was overlooked for the 1954 British Empire Games at Vancouver, where results indicate that she could have been a finalist.

She was married to former Waikato rugby and basketball representative Reg Smith; they had seven children. Parker died of cancer, aged 65, on 24 December 1993. Her brother Clem Parker also won a bronze medal in a sprint relay at the 1950 British Empire Games.