The family of Mary Parkes is sad to announce her passing the evening of April 29, 2014 at the age of 92. She passed peacefully following a brief illness at Piccadilly Care Centre in Salmon Arm BC, with her family by her side.
She is survived by her loving husband John of 65 yrs, son Garry (Becky) of Winnipeg, Ron (Judy) of Mission, daughter Bonnie Peterson (Roy) of Salmon Arm, grandsons Brian (Erin), Greg (Sarah) Brad (Emily) Andrew, Bryn and Kean, great grandsons Nick, Austin, Maddox, Noah, Cole as well as great granddaughters, Madeline & Claire.
Mary was the last surviving member of her family, predeceased by 5 brothers and 2 sisters.
Mary was born in Alberta, the 4th of 8 children to Ukrainian parents.
In 1947 she boarded a train to Matsqui where berry pickers were needed in the Fraser Valley. She attended a dance at Matsqui Hall and met John Parkes, a dairy farmer from Silverdale. They married August 1948 in Mission. They raised 3 children on their dairy farm. She was the ultimate homemaker. She took great pride in her cooking, baking and canning. Special occasions were a time for her to make her traditional Ukrainian dishes.
The farm was sold in 1972 and Mary and John retired to their new home across the Hwy on their hillside. She enjoyed her large veg. & flower gardens with the view of Mt Baker. Visitors always went home with produce or flowers. Mary was always busy, knitting, crocheting, x-stitch, and enjoying walks on their property. She volunteered at Silverdale Hall and played ladies badminton there. Was a member of the Mission Garden Club and Bethel Temple Pentecostal Church.
Mary and John traveled extensively in retirement.
In 2006 they moved to Lakeside Manor in Salmon Arm. In 2011 they moved to Piccadilly Care Centre. Thanks to Staff & Care Aides for the compassionate care she received. A special thank you to Dr. Grant McCallum.
A small family service was held in the chapel of Piccadilly Care Centre on May 2, 2014 with Rev, George Fleming officiating. A celebration of life will be held in Mission at a later date.
Arrangements entrusted to Fischer’s Funeral Services & Crematorium Ltd. (250) 833-1129. Email condolences and share memories through Mary’s obituary at www.fischersfuneralservices.com.