Mrs. Mary Margaret Parker

PARKER (nee Povah) Mary Margaret . May 15, 1934 ~ February 12, 2024. Loving wife, caring mother, grandmother and great-grandmother, passed away peacefully at the age of 89. She is predeceased by both her husband John and son David, and immediately survived by her daughter Bobbi (Jeffrey) Smith, and sons Douglas (Julie) and Donald (Elizabeth).

Born and raised in Kelowna, Mary spent most of her life in Vancouver. She began teaching for the Vancouver school board during the 1950s and was proud to be recognized for introducing Home Economics to boys, which was a new concept in education at that time! After retiring from teaching, she shifted her energy to be a Church Administrator for Ryerson United. She was also a proud, lifelong advocate for women's education through her work as a P.E.O. sister.

It was in the pursuit of her enduring love of theatre and costume creation that she met the love of her life, John F. Parker. They worked on countless plays together and later on in life shared this passion with others by running inspiring U.K theatre tours to London. They cherished almost 50 years of wedded bliss, settling eventually in their beautiful West End condo where Mary lived until John passed in 2015. Mary enjoyed attending Highlands United Church in Edgemont Village and before long, became a resident at Amica Edgemont Village, a new senior living complex that met her growing needs. The caring staff and friends she made there enriched her life. Unsettled by the pandemic, Mary yearned to be with family and reconnect with her roots. She returned to Kelowna and was lovingly cared for by her daughter Bobbi and family in their beautiful lakeview home. Happily closer to the Povah family for whom she was a beloved great-aunt and matriarch. By far, her greatest joy was to be surrounded by friends and family. Mary had a sharp wit and a wonderful sense of humor. She loved to swim and soak up the sun in Hawaii. She loved to craft, do word searches, trivia and always had a puzzle on the go. A night was never complete without Wheel of Fortune and Jeopardy.

Having known the locally renowned Bennett family from churchgoing as a youngster, Mary felt things had come full circle and found great happiness in attending the May Bennett Adult Day Program. A heartfelt thank you to all the staff there who brought so much joy and love to her life. The Interior Health Palliative Care program and Hospice also took amazing care of Mary during her final months. They welcomed the Parker family with open arms and allowed Mary to pass with grace and dignity.

In lieu of flowers, donations in memory of Mary and John can be made to the John F. Parker Scholarship for Theatre Arts at Langara College. This award provides a scholarship for a Studio 58 student who demonstrates exceptional promise. This scholarship is an endowed award that lives on in perpetuity, with donations matched dollar for dollar.

Donations can be made securely online through: https://langara.ca/foundation/find-a-project/project-stories/studio-58.html. Using the same link, a donation form can be printed off and mailed to the Langara College Foundation (100 West 49th Ave. Vancouver V5Y-2Z6 Tel: 604.323.5183) indicating the John F. Parker Scholarship for Theatre Arts.

Please help us honor this amazing woman. A Celebration of Mary Parker’s Life will be held on May 25th, 2024 at the Kelowna Yacht Club from 11-2pm. For more details and to R.S.V.P. please email Bobbi at [email protected]

Condolences may be sent to the family by visiting www.firstmemorialfuneralkelowna.com

Arrangements entrusted with First Memorial Funeral Services, Kelowna, BC 250-762-2299