With profound sadness, we announce the passing of our mom, Grace Parker, beloved wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, aunt and friend. We are all grateful for her unwavering love, sense of humour, amazing example and endless support. Grace loved with an open heart, welcoming many in her “family” and leaving the mark of that love on each in a unique way.
Grace loved the fact that she was able to be a big part of the lives of her grandchildren (and great-granddaughter), from birth to adulthood. She was a constant presence always keen for the news, and a fine source of funny stories. This love drove her to learn the mysteries of technologies too daunting for most people her age. To her, the family WhatsApp chat and the weekly family Zoom calls were worth the struggle.
Grace was a force of nature, engaged in her business, Purple Camel Learning Resources, until the end of her life. She believed that the store was an important part of the community, contributing to the care and education of all children. But mostly, the store broadened her circle, connecting her with an ever growing group of friends. She was “Mrs. P”, “Grandma”, and “Camel” to so many. Her energy, compassion and curiosity were infectious.
The doors to Grace and Grant’s house have always been open to others. If they saw someone in need, they would provide whatever assistance they could, whether it be in the form of a meal, a listening ear, some down to earth advice, or a vehicle fix. Grace always made sure to include them in their supportive family environment. Her amazing example taught friends and family alike how to take care of others.
Grace was born in St. Rose du Lac, Manitoba on April 12, 1940, the third daughter of Rosalie and Murray Mackie. She grew up near McCreary, Manitoba, attending the Reeve School. She went to work in a bank in nearby Dauphin, Manitoba where she met Grant Parker, marrying him on January 2, 1959. Their daughter, Beth, was born in Dauphin in 1960, and their sons, Darren and Dean, were born in 1963 and 1964 after they moved to Thompson, Manitoba. The family moved to Fort William (later Thunder Bay) in 1967, where Grant started his own business, Parker’s Tool Sales. Grace kept the books for the business and managed their growing family. In 1978, Grace and Grant moved the family to the house that they built on Vanguard Avenue, where she lived until the end of her life.
Grace was fearless, always pushing to expand her horizons. Over the years, she showed an amazing talent for sales, excelling first in Tupperware sales, and later in insurance. After retirement, she took a job as an assistant at the Purple Camel, and, at the age of 70, Grace purchased the business and threw her energy and a lifetime of business skills into it.
Church and faith also played a role in Grace’s life. She was a long time member of Evangel Church, and contributed in several areas including Sunday School and leading the ladies fellowship group for many years.
Grace is survived by Grant, her loving husband of 66 years, her children Beth (Dave), Darren (Cindy), and Dean (Laura), her grandchildren Mitchell, Shayna, Joey, Nick, Mallory, Nolan and Nigel, her great-granddaughter Payton and many beloved nieces and nephews.
The family would like to express special thanks to Kyle and Gabby the nurses and to our friend, Veronique, for their extraordinary kindness in difficult times.
A celebration of life will be held at a later date to be announced.
Condolences may be made through www.nwfainc.com
