Retha Elaine Sparks

60, of Toronto, passed away peacefully at home on December 22nd, 2013. She was born in Lake Loon and was the daughter of the late Frederick and late Laura (Downey) Sparks.

She was a member of Cherry Brook United Baptist Church. After being Baptized at Cherry Brook United Baptist Church she continued her faithful ministry at Wilbert Height Baptist Church in Toronto. She worked several years for the Canadian Tire Store in Toronto before her passing.

She is survived by children, Dr. Nigel Sparks (Sarah) Jacksonville, Florida; Frederick Sparks (Rajmit), Derrel (Johnny Madeira), Norma "all of Toronto; Grandchildren, Nikane, Kiana, Nicole, Sierra, Kyla, Aniya, Ethan, Nevyn; brothers, Vincent (Gayle), Lake Loon, Jules (Charmaine), Cole Harbour, Parker (Deborah), Dartmouth; Reginald, Toronto; sisters, Betty Bennett, Jocelyn and Marcella Lake Loon, Irma, Roberta (Kenneth Cross), Dartmouth, Norma (Barrie McNiven) Calgary, godchildren, Anita Sparks, Phyllis Bennett, Laura McNiven, Shanetelle Downey, Vincent E. Sparks, Shalessa Rowley, Texony Rowley, Cassandra Simmonds, Nakisha Beals; special cousins, Andrew Downey, Brenda Colley and Evangeline Downey; many nieces and nephews.

She was predeceased by brother Frederick Jr., sister Leta and godparents; Stanley and Florence Sparks and Edmond “Lee” Beals.

Funeral arrangements have been entrusted to Giffen-Mack Funeral Home, 2570 Danforth Ave., Toronto, Ont., and Mattatall Funeral Home, 217 Portland Street, Dartmouth, N.S. Visitation will be held on Friday, December 27th, 2013, at Giffen-Mack Funeral Home, 6-8 pm; Mattatall Funeral Home, Sunday December 29th, 2013, 6-8pm. Funeral service will be held 1 p.m., Monday, December 30th, 2013 at Cherry Brook United Baptist Church, Dartmouth, N.S., Rev. Wayne Desmond officiating. Burial will take place in the church cemetery. Donations may be made to Cherry Brook United Baptist Church. Condolences can be sent to: www.giffenmackdanforth.com

I’m Free

Don’t grieve for me, for now I’m Free,

I’m following the path God laid for me.

I took His hand when I heard Him call,

I turned my back and left it all.

I could not stay another day,

To laugh, to love, to work or play.

Tasks left undone must stay that way.

I’ve found that place at the close of day.

If my parting has left a void,

Then fill it with remembered joy.

A friendship shared, a laugh, a kiss,

Ah yes, these things I too will miss.

Be not burdened with times of sorrow,

I wish you the sunshine of tomorrow.

My life’s been full, I’ve savoured much

Good friends, good times,

A loved one’s touch.

Perhaps my time seemed all too brief,

Don’t lengthen it now with undue grief.

Lift up your heart and share with me,

God wanted me now, He set me free.