Esther “Parky” Parkhill 1916 – 2019
It is with deepest sadness and gratitude for her long life, that we announce that Esther died Saturday, May 25, in her 103rd year. She was the daughter of Nelson Harris (1967) and Ada Mae McRae (1967) and dear sister to Jane (Owen 2002) Hawkins.
Parky was predeceased by her beloved husband Willard “Poppy” Parkhill (2004) and daughter, Elizabeth (2014) and her husband, Norm Philion (2012).
She will be deeply missed by her daughter Marguerite “Peg” and her husband Bruce Hogarth.
She set a high standard for her grandchildren: Brock Hogarth; Susan (Ger) Rau; Jane (Scott 2016) McLean; Kevin (Cindy) Philion; and Scott Philion. Parky expected nothing less from her ten great-grandchildren: Faith Hogarth; Duncan and Hayden McLean; Joe, Sam and Kenny Philion; and Josh, Brendan and Emily Buchanan. Her passing is mourned by an extended family.
Esther took a genuine interest in people and was devoted to her community. Her passion for volunteering began in 1950 at the Tillsonburg District Memorial Hospital where she has been a constant reassuring presence, 8 am – noon, in the Admitting Department for the past 34 years, averaging over 1000 volunteer hours a year. Although she was never one to seek the spotlight, she was recognized with a Town of Tillsonburg Volunteer Award in 1992 and a Queen Elizabeth II Diamond Jubilee Medal in 2012. In addition to her time at the hospital, she volunteered at St Paul’s United Church.
Her baking was legendary, as was her firm belief that there was no such thing as “too much sugar or butter.” She was a warm hug in a cold world and an inspiration to many. We will miss her strength, extraordinary memory, smile, love, wisdom, ability to complete the crosswords every day (in ink!) and everything that made her so special. Wherever you may be Parky, may there be “The Young & the Restless,” curling, baseball and caramel popcorn for dinner.
The family will receive family and friends at OSTRANDER’S FUNERAL HOME, 43 Bidwell Street, Tillsonburg (519-842-5221) on Wednesday, May 29, 5 – 8 pm. The Funeral Service to be Thursday, May 30, 11 am at St. Paul’s United Church, 88 Bidwell Street, Tillsonburg. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Tillsonburg District Memorial Hospital Foundation or St. Paul’s United Church.
Parky & Poppy
People used to ask me,
“What are a Parky and a Poppy?
There is just no way to describe
The love and support
They have given us over the years.
A Parky & Poppy
Know all the answers;
Bake the best cookies;
Fix things when they are broken;
And always take your side.
If you are sick, they pamper you
And offer a warm hug in a cold world.
They tell you stories about the ‘olden days’,
They spoil you rotten – and you let them,
Just because!
“What are a Parky & a Poppy?”
Truly, they are a gift from God.
Susan Hogarth
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Nos plus sincères sympathies à la famille et aux amis de Esther Elizabeth Parkhill Harris Saturday May 25th 2019..
Décès pour la Ville: Tillsonburg, Province: Ontario