December 16, 2022
Eileen Jean Parker passed away peacefully at Belvedere Heights Home for the Aged, on Friday, December 16th, 2022. Age 100 years.
Beloved wife of the late Roy Parker. Loving mother of Brock A. Parker and Lyn H. Parker. Cherished Grandmother of Jennifer L. Parker, Michael J. Parker, Kyla Parker-Peters, and Ryan Parker. Great-grandmother of Hailey Parker-Vieira, Owen Parker-Vieira, McKinley S. Peters, Elijah R. Peters, Gerald Knockwood, and Dawn Riley. Fondly remembered by her nieces, nephews, other relatives, and friends.
Eileen was born in Stratford on November 28 1922. She had 2 brothers Robert and Ronald Schenk. Eileen grew up in Walkerton. In 1942, at 20 years old she joined the Army. She was stationed in Kitchener, trained in Quebec, and attained the rank of Sergeant Major. She then transferred to MD1 head office in London. She applied for a posting in Washington D.C. and was then posted there and worked at the Pentagon. There she had interesting accommodation at a U.S. Senators estate right on Pennsylvania Ave. D.C. situated among the embassies. When her boyfriend Roy Parker returned from service overseas, she requested a discharge and not long after marrying her childhood sweetheart. Eileen always had a true entrepreneurial spirit. Her first business was a women’s clothing store in Walkerton. In 1951 she and Roy purchased Graham’s Cottages in Dillon 20 miles northwest of Parry Sound. 6 small cottages became 17 American plan cottages and Marina (now Dillon Cove Marina) over the next 22 years. During this time Eileen was active with many hobbies and crafts. She had an old button collection that was very extensive and she appeared on TV to show the collection. Eileen became interested in ceramics when it first became popular and even taught an evening course a Parry Sound High School. She was recognized for 31 years of volunteer work at the Thrift Store. Her antique doll collection was impressive and she has the reputation as the Doll Doctor in the area. Always a goal-oriented person Eileen set the goal to reach 100 years old when 98. She reached that goal too.
As was Eileen’s wish, cremation has taken place.
A Celebration of Life will take place in Carling Township in late May or early June 2023. An update with the service time will be posted in the spring.
As expressions of sympathy, donations to the Salvation Army would be appreciated.
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We offer our deepest sympathies to the family and friends of EILEEN PARKER December 16 2022 and hope that their memory may be a source of comfort during this difficult time. Your thoughts and kind words are greatly appreciated.
Death notice for the town of: Parry-Sound, Province: Ontario