Caroline Zara Parkinson

Caroline (“Cary”) Zara Parkinson, aged 95, passed away on March 25, 2019, in Abbotsford, BC, and at long last fulfilled her desire to be reunited with her beloved husband, William Walter (“Wally”) Parkinson, who predeceased her in 1966.

Caroline was born in Edmonton, Alberta on May 17, 1923, the eldest of 5 children born to Harry and Leah (Winter) Corless. She was preceded in death by her brother, Larry; and sisters, Patsy and Marjie. Caroline is survived by her sister, Louise; sons, Russ (Debbie) and Steve (Julie); daughter, Beth (Timi); grandsons, Chris, Jeremy, and Robert; and great-grandchildren, Jade, Hayden, Zara, Gavin, and Lola; her beloved nieces and nephew; and her lifetime friend, Dorothy “Dot” McCloy.

When still a baby, Cary and her family moved to a Vancouver residence at “the beach,” now known as Locarno Park on Spanish Banks. She attended Lord Byng High School where she and six friends forged lifelong friendships, becoming the “Neves” (seven, backwards).

During wartime in 1943, she met Wally, a New Zealand serviceman, just two weeks before he was to return to his home country. They were first introduced after separate friends asked them to be stand-ins to form the second couple for a double, blind date. Happily, that unforeseen happenstance began the love story of Cary’s and Wally’s lifetimes. Sparks of romance flew from the moment they met under the Birk’s clock on the corner of Georgia and Granville. They were inseparable for the next two weeks until Wally had to board the ship for New Zealand. Wally had proposed almost daily to Cary, but she wanted more time to reach her decision.

Wally wrote daily while he was at sea for six weeks, letters which Cary did not receive until 2 1/2 months after he left. By then, she had decided to accept his proposal. Wally sent a diamond ring, which Cary’s father put on her finger with great ceremony. Cary and Wally were not to see each other for another two years. Their only communication was by written correspondence, which took 4 to 6 weeks to arrive.

Then, in 1945, as World War II was drawing to an end, the Commonwealth governments instituted a “War Brides” program, sending women to be re-united with the foreign servicemen with whom they had fallen in love. Cary took a train to New York, then boarded the ship with many other War Brides and set off for New Zealand, via the Panama Canal.

Five weeks later, she landed in Wellington, New Zealand, where Wally met and took her back to Greymouth. They were married 2 1/2 weeks later and settled into their new home. They were blessed with the birth of their sons Russ in 1946 and Steve in 1948. By 1950, Wally felt his financial prospects of supporting his growing family would be better in Canada and so they returned to Vancouver.

Wally found employment at the Eburne Sawmill and they bought a house near Trafalgar Park. Their daughter Beth was born in 1952. Cary was a busy 1950’s housewife, raising children, supporting her husband, and always busy with sewing projects, often into the small hours of the night. Or, when she joined in on family TV time, such as watching the Ed Sullivan show, it was accompanied by the click, click of her knitting needles.

In 1962, Wally secured a better position at the Whonnock Sawmill and the family moved to Haney. But in June 1966, Cary’s life dramatically changed. With no warning, her beloved husband suddenly and unexpectedly died in her arms from a massive heart attack. Over the years, since, people would ask her why she never married again. Cary always replied “I could never be so lucky twice.”

Despite being grief stricken, Cary resolutely moved forward. Sons, Russ and Steve, who were in their late teens, moved out on their own and Cary and daughter, Beth, moved into the Imperial Apartments, where Cary resided for the next 44 years.

Caroline ultimately found her niche as the bookkeeper at the Maple Ridge Golf Club. She then was Office Manager of the Pitt Meadows and Country Club for over 20 years. Her work at the Golf Club kept her busy, both professionally and socially. She loved to dance and, at Club functions, barely had a chance to sit down because she was such a popular dance partner.

As the years went by, Caroline was able to indulge her love for travel and went on numerous cruises. She also made trips to Mexico, England, New Zealand and Australia. After retirement, Caroline’s arthritis started slowing her up, but she nonetheless stayed as active as she could and maintained contact with her many friends.

Eventually she determined it was time to make the move to assisted living and, despite some mixed feelings about leaving her long time home, she looked forward to settling into the Hallmark Retirement Community. Unfortunately, after only a brief time there, she required a short period of hospitalization and then it became clear she would require full-time nursing care.

So, in January 2011, Caroline moved to Menno Place Hospital, where she remained until she peacefully passed away on March 25, 2019. Her daughter, Beth, lived nearby, visited nearly every day and made sure her Mother was well cared for. Caroline also enjoyed many visits by other family members. She was thankful for the good care she received from Menno Place staff.

It is difficult with this brief chronology to depict the depth of Cary’s life and the beauty of her being. She was a daughter, sister, wife, mother, grandmother, co-worker and friend to many. She brought caring, compassion and love to all whose lives she touched. The one word most consistently used to describe her, even in dementia, was “gracious.” We are grateful that she is once again dancing joyfully with Wally.

“My mind still talks to you and my heart still looks for you. But my soul knows you are at peace.” ~~Anonymous

Those who wish may donate in Caroline's name to the Heart and Stroke Foundation. Friends and family are welcome to attend the memorial service on Saturday, May 11 at 2:00 p.m. at St. John the Divine Anglican Church, 21299 River Road, Maple Ridge, BC. The service will be followed with light refreshments and sharing of fond memories in the Church Hall.