With profound gratitude for a life well-lived, the family of Doris Parker, sadly announce her passing on October 27th, after a brief illness.
Left to honour her memory are her two sons, Jack (Gina) and Ken (Karen); grandchildren, Candace (Ryan), Kennedy, and Connor; and greatgrandchildren, Callie, Mya, and Chloe. She also leaves siblings Bernice, Letta, and Allen, along with numerous nieces, nephews, and friends.
Born in 1925, to parents, Anton and Clara Eshpeter, Doris learned much during her formative years in Daysland, Alberta. She eschewed the values of cooperation, teamwork, loyalty, dedication, and hard work while living and working on the family farm with her 14 siblings, before venturing off to teach in one-room schools in Daysland, Strome, Timmons, Ont., and finally Edmonton where she taught at Our Lady of Fatima.
In 1954, Doris married Jim Parker. Settling in Edmonton to raise their family, she juggled a career and volunteered her time with the school, church, and community. She was a devoted mother with a beautiful soul, who cared deeply for family and neighbours. This was not done out of obligation, but simply because of who she was. Doris bestowed upon her children traits that have served them well, such as kindness, respect, humility, a wicked sense of humour, and a quick wit.
While honing her skills in teaching and leadership, she served many decades with the Catholic school board, and returned to the University of Alberta to complete her degree requirements in 1968. A dedicated educator committed to students, she gently guided them along their path. Doris touched many students’ lives, and she always beamed with excitement and pride, when former students kept in touch to share their life journeys with her.
A social butterfly eager to participate in life, she was able to make friends quickly, and her engaging, charming, cheerful demeanour maintained these life-long friendships and bonds. She enjoyed dancing, playing various instruments, and singing, and up until her last year, played the piano with skill and elegance for Canterbury residents. She imparted her love of music to many, and when her memory began to fade, it was music that sustained her during difficult times. She always faced challenges with grace, and persevered with determination. For much of her 96 years, she was quick with a story, generously seasoned with people’s names, dates, and details. Doris excelled at life, was an exceptional card player, an avid bird watcher, and master of Yorkshire pudding and jellied salads. She lived her life with a sense of purpose and a generosity of spirit that was second to none. Her sensibility, kind spirit, open mindedness, acceptance, and unwavering love will forever be remembered.
The family is ever grateful and blessed for her many years on this Earth, and for the many steps that we shared with her. She will be missed by many, but her gentle spirit lives on in our hearts.
We would like to express our sincere thanks to the staff at Canterbury Foundation for their commitment and care provided to Doris. Also, we would like thank the medical staff on 7West and the Palliative Team at the Misericordia Hospital, who kept watch over her during her final days.
Due to COVID-19 restrictions, a private Funeral Mass will be celebrated on Wednesday, November 3rd, at St. John the Evangelist Catholic Church. Interment to immediately follow at Holy Cross Cemetery. For those inclined, please consider making a donation to a charity of one’s choosing.
Our most sincere sympathies to the family and friends of Parker Doris 2021..
Death notice for the town of: Edmonton, Province: Alberta