Obituary of Margaret Parker

B I O G R A P H Y PARKER: Margaret Jean Parker passed away in the Alice Keith Nursing Home, Vermilion, Alberta on Tuesday, January 2, 2007 at the age of 83 years. Jean is survived by: five children: Albert (Arlene) Parker, Bruce (Val) Parker, Keith (Noreen) Parker, Myrna (Ernie) Lessner and Myra Parker all of Marwayne, AB; eleven grandchildren, one great grandchildren, one brother Bill (Anne) Linklater of Toronto, one sister-in-law Doreen Parker of Marwayne as well as numerous nieces and nephews. The funeral service for Jean was conducted from the Marwayne Community Hall, Marwayne, Alberta on Saturday, January 6, 2007 at 2:00 P.M. with Reverend Bob Aldrich officiating. A eulogy was given by Marty Person. A solo “Amazing Grace,” was sung by Yvette Barnett. The hymn was “The Old Rugged Cross,” accompanied on the organ by Joanne Horton. Honorary pallbearers were: her grandchildren and one great granddaughter, Joyce Hanson, Bernadette Box, Rhoda Grey, Shannon Franklin, Marion Needham and Wendy Parker. Active pallbearers were: Larry Needham, Raymond Parker, Dwane Parker, Lyle Parker, Wayne Davis and Marvin Davis. Interment followed in the Marwayne Cemetery. McCaw Funeral Service Ltd., of Lloydminster administered the funeral arrangements. Margaret Jean Parker (Linklater), better known as Grandma Jean was born on January 14th, 1923 in Lloydminster to parents Nellie Brown and Albert James Linklater. She is predeceased by her husband Leslie Parker on November 29th, 1979. Jean is survived by her son Albert, his wife Arlene and their children Mitch and Leane. Son Bruce, his wife Val and their children Josh, Shawna and Kelsey. Son Keith, his wife Noreen and their children Amy and Delbert. Daughter Myrna Lessner, her husband Ernie and their children Jenna, Jordon, Anita and fiancee John Sebree and their daughter Abby. Daughter Myra Parker and her daughter Morgan. One brother Bill Linklater and wife Anne of Toronto, Ontario. Sister-in-law Doreen Parker of Marwayne. As well as numerous nieces and nephews. At the age of two Jean faced the challenge of beginning life with the loss of her mother. She along with her father moved to Edmonton to begin a new life. A few short years passed and Jean’s cousin Hazel Forbes arrived to assist Jim with raising Jean. Hazel had quite an impact on Jean as she decided, by her own will to use the Forbes sir name as it was easier to pronounce than Linklater. This all unfolded when Hazel came to the school to talk with the teacher about the Linklater girl and to her surprise the only girl that came close to the description was the Forbes girl. This marked the beginning of Jean Parker’s journey and the making of the “little lady with the big heart.” Jean lived in Edmonton and worked for the government as an office clerk. Then on January 16th, 1952 she married Leslie Parker. Shortly afterwards they moved to Marwayne and lived with Grandpa and Grandma Parker until their house was built Northeast of Marwayne. Her family meant everything to her. As a young family starting out on the farm she knew the importance of keeping the farm and house in order. Her knee prompting reminders to the three boys and two girls on what needed to be done and of course when it should be done is something they can attest too. Jean liked her sweets and especially Christmas baking with the children. As a youngster Bruce always liked her baking but one day told her that he preferred the chocolate dippers from the freezer. Jean’s passion for reading was enjoyed by their three boys as the Hardy Boys series was always a part of their evening rituals. Jean rarely missed an activity or event especially a ball or hockey game for both her children and her grandchildren. If she wasn’t watching her kids play she could be found in front of the TV watching hockey playoffs. Her family knew she was serious about her hockey due to the fact she would decline family dinner invitations because they may not be watching the hockey game. During her quiet time Jean could be found reading various mystery and romance novels by Danielle Steele, Nora Roberts and Betty Neils. And to everyone’s amazement especially her grandchildren all these novels were read at an incredible speed. Another talented skill that few have mastered, was her ability to easily complete a crossword puzzle. This talent gave her the ability to easily remember dates of birthdays and anniversaries of both her immediate and extended family. Ernie and Myrna can appreciate the assistance with this talent especially with anniversaries. Jean monopolized on every opportunity to spend time with her grandchildren. She enjoyed playing all kinds of card games, everything from Go Fish to Rummy. She would always be looking for a grandchild to play some cards with and some goodies to share with her opponents. If Jordon’s tummy was rumbling you could always find him at grandma’s eating ice cream. Jean’s independence meant everything to her. When she was not reading she could be found walking up town for coffee with Joyce Hansen. She walked many miles to and fro while occasionally accepting a ride only to walk up town again on another endeavor. On her more adventurous days she would catch a ride to Lloyd to do a wider array of socializing. As her granddaughters would say “I can’t believe how many people she knows!” It wasn’t that she knew everyone but rather she had the ability to talk and befriend people with such ease and sincerity. Friends and family very quickly found out the importance of being on time. Jean strongly believed in this and was rarely late and if she was you better pray it wasn’t your fault. Rarely did Jean’s family hear her complain from the time they were little to time just past. She never was one to utter words of disdain. Visits to the doctor were few and far between. When there was need, it was only by word of mouth that the family finally found out she was needing a helping hand. Rather, her big heart was always making sure those in need were always cared for first. As the journey finishes Jean easily filled many hearts with unconditional love and kindness. Her inner talents and aspirations of becoming a novelist can now be fulfilled. Her gentle nature and commitment to family can forever be remembered as the “little lady with the big heart.” Card of Thanks The family of Jean Parker would like to thank the Marwayne Fire & Rescue, the Vermilion Hospital and the Alice Keith Nursing home for their care and understanding in Jean's time of need. Thank you to all those who visited with Jean while she was in the hospital, she appreciated every visit. Thank you to Reverend Bob Aldrich, Yvette Barnett, Joanne Horton, Donna Burke and McCaw Funeral Home for their part in the service. Special thank you to all those who showed their kindness by giving cards, donations, flowers and food. Donations in memory of Jean may be made to the Marwayne Fire & Rescue Squad.