Gwen Parker

Gwen Parker passed away peacefully at Grace Hospice in Winnipeg on March 8, 2024, in her 98th year.

Gwen is lovingly remembered by her daughters, Denise Fraser (Keith), Joanne Parker, her son, Scott Parker (Denise); her son-in-law Philip Wyatt; her grandchildren, Kristy Parker (Saad), Jason Parker (Lehanne), Brent Parker (Emily), Graeme Fraser (Norah), Geoffrey Wyatt (Renee) and Kathryn Wyatt (Reece); and her great grandchildren Abbie, Lola, Calix, Nayel, Holly, Penny, Eloise and Hannah.

Gwen was predeceased by her husband, Lorne Parker, daughter, Sharon Parker, grandson, Matthew Fraser, nephew, Michael Parker, as well as her sister Muriel Mankey and husband Gideon, her twin brother Hartley Wilson and her brother Arthur Wilson, and her sisters-in-law, Margaret and Helen Wilson. She is survived by her brother-in-law and sister-in-law, Brian and Anne Parker and many nephews and nieces.

Gwen was born at the farm near Deloraine, Manitoba to Tom and Nellie Wilson. She received her early education at a one-room school until Grade 8. She completed Grade 9 by correspondence before moving to Winnipeg to attend Kelvin High School for Grades 10 - 12. There she met Lorne, her lifelong partner of 41 years. In 1948, Gwen graduated from the University of Manitoba from the faculty of Home Economics. She spent the following year in Southern Ontario’s Niagara Peninsula as a Home Economics extension worker, returning to Manitoba in 1949 to marry Lorne. They raised their family of four on the 5th generation Wilpark Farm at Union Point south of Ste Agathe. The river lots were homesteaded by Lorne’s maternal grandparents in the 1880’s.

As a strong, proud prairie woman, Gwen worked and supported all farm and various community ventures. She was an Avonlea United Church member, Sunday School teacher, 4-H leader, and a long time Domain Women’s Institute member. From 1966-1992, she served as Executive Secretary of the Manitoba Women’s Institute. Her leadership skills and advocacy work with rural women is well known. As Executive Secretary, she traveled extensively throughout Manitoba, Canada and Internationally. Gwen and Lorne led many Manitoba Farm Vacation groups and Canadian International agricultural tours to Europe, Australia, New Zealand and Israel.

Gwen recently told her family she was grateful for a life well lived. Her deep faith has sustained her always. A Service of Remembrance will be held in the chapel at Thomson “In the Park”, 1291 McGillivray Blvd., on April 19, 2024 at 10:00 am. A private family burial will follow at Avonlea Cemetery.

The family wishes to thank Jennet Barbosa for her daily compassionate care. We also thank the Hospice Care team for their expertise and support as well as family physician Dr. Ian Kasloff.

In lieu of flowers, charitable contributions can be made to the Grace Hospice (gracehospitalfoundation.ca), the Manitoba Women’s Institute (mbwi.ca), the Avonlea United Church Memorial fund or to a charity of your choice.