Obituary of Carol Martha Parkes
Passed away peacefully at The Village at University Gates, Waterloo on Tuesday, February 19, 2019, age 82.
Beloved wife of the late Donald Parkes (2014). Loving mother of David Parkes (Rhonda Naoum), Doug (Masami) Parkes and Judy Parkes (Blair Langmuir). Cherished grandmother of Ben Langmuir (Margaret Ostermann), Robin Langmuir, Cassandra Langmuir, Sean Parkes and Sonia Parkes. Fondly remembered by her siblings Allen (Janet) Napper and Lynne Macaulay, sister-in-law Marilyn Whitefield, brother-in-law Ken (Gudrun) Parkes, and many nieces, nephews, cousins and dear friends.
Predeceased by her parents Charles and Patricia Napper, and brothers-in-law Ken Macaulay and John Whitefield.
Carol lived a full life, touching many hearts along the way. She was born in Calgary, married in Winnipeg, raised her family in towns and military bases across Canada from New Brunswick to Quebec, Manitoba and British Columbia. Committed and thoughtful, she would rise to every challenge with a smile of quiet determination. And Carol was resourceful: she could cook up scrumptious dinners out of whatever was at hand, at home, at a campsite or on the road in an RV. Along with raising three children, Carol built her own career, rising to manager in the federal civil service. After retiring, she and Don travelled extensively throughout Canada and the Caribbean, and in celebration of their 50th wedding anniversary, they took an epic cruise to Australia and the islands of the South Pacific. Before the onset of dementia, Carol enjoyed many activities, including knitting, gardening, cooking, hiking and square dancing. She was an avid reader and loved going to the local library, wherever she lived. She was also an active member of the Taoist Tai Chi Society in Chilliwack. Although reserved, she forged solid friendships with neighbors and coworkers wherever the family moved. She brought meaning to the lives of everyone around her, and will be deeply missed by all.
Carol’s family would like to thank the staff at the Village at University Gates for their care and compassion, particularly staff in the Wright Neighbourhood. A service will be held privately. Internment of cremains and a Celebration of Life will be held in Chilliwack, B.C. at a later date.
Condolences for the family and donations to the Heart & Stroke Foundation, Alzheimer Society or Schlegel-UM Research Institute for Aging (RIA) may be arranged through the Erb & Good Family Funeral Home, 171 King St. S., Waterloo at www.erbgood.com or 519-745-8445