EILEEN PARKER

Eileen Jean Parker passed away peacefully at Belvedere Heights Home for the Aged, on Friday, December 16th, 2022. Age 100 years.

Beloved wife of the late Roy Parker. Loving mother of Brock A. Parker and Lyn H. Parker. Cherished Grandmother of Jennifer L. Parker, Michael J. Parker, Kyla Parker-Peters, and Ryan Parker. Great-grandmother of Hailey Parker-Vieira, Owen Parker-Vieira, McKinley S. Peters, Elijah R. Peters, Jerald (Trooper) Knockwood, Dawn Riley and Jake Riley. Fondly remembered by her nieces, nephews, other relatives, and friends.

Eileen was born in Stratford on November 28 1922. She had 2 brothers Robert and Ronald Schenk. Eileen grew up in Walkerton. In 1942, at 20 years old she joined the Army. She was stationed in Kitchener, trained in Quebec, and attained the rank of Sergeant Major. She then transferred to MD1 head office in London. She applied for a posting in Washington D.C. and was then posted there and worked at the Pentagon. There she had interesting accommodation at a U.S. Senators estate right on Pennsylvania Ave. D.C. situated among the embassies. When her boyfriend Roy Parker returned from service overseas, she requested a discharge and not long after marrying her childhood sweetheart. Eileen always had a true entrepreneurial spirit. Her first business was a women’s clothing store in Walkerton. In 1951 she and Roy purchased Graham’s Cottages in Dillon 20 miles northwest of Parry Sound. 6 small cottages became 17 American plan cottages and Marina (now Dillon Cove Marina) over the next 22 years. During this time Eileen was active with many hobbies and crafts. She had an old button collection that was very extensive and she appeared on TV to show the collection. Eileen became interested in ceramics when it first became popular and even taught an evening course a Parry Sound High School. She was recognized for 31 years of volunteer work at the Thrift Store. Her antique doll collection was impressive and she has the reputation as the Doll Doctor in the area. Always a goal-oriented person Eileen set the goal to reach 100 years old when 98. She reached that goal too.

As was Eileen’s wish, cremation has taken place.

A celebration of Eileen’s life will take place at the Carling Community Centre, 4 Carling Bay Road West,
on Saturday, May 20th, from 11:00 A.M.– 2:00 P.M.

As expressions of sympathy, donations to the Salvation Army would be appreciated.

Condolences


My sympathies go out to Eileen’s family. What a wonderful lady to have as your mother, grandmother, great grandmother and for a great friend. I have missed her company at the bridge table where she struggled to teach me “kitchen bridge”, although we did play at Belvedere until COVID came on the scene. She will be missed by so many. God bless you all.

-Ferne Wylie

Condolences to the family. A lovely friend from Carling will be missed.

-Shirley Sabatine

I knew Eileen quite well, and Ruth worked for her at Dillon Cove in the late 50's. She lived a good long life. Our condolences to the family.

-Terry & Ruth Little

I called Eileen my summer time mother for a couple of years while I worked at Graham's Cottages. I admired her. I'm sure she has given her family and friends many good stories and memories.

-Anita Chechock

To the Parker family
I enjoyed many years of bridge with Eileen. I cherished her friendship, she was a kind sweet person and I will miss her.
Scotty Craig

-Scotty Craig

Eileen was a very special friend to us and I have know her for over 60 years. In the latter years we enjoyed visiting Eileen ever year when we were on vacation at Sand Bay, a short distance from Dillon, were Eileen and Roy used to run the marina and camp ground. Back in the day, I have fond memories of going fishing and playing bridge with the Roy and Eileen and my Dad, Less. Dad and Eileen shared an interest in antiques and were both war vets. Eileen shared some of her wartime memories with us. We were also honoured to be included in the scrapbook of her life, which she worked on. We celebrate her wonderful life and the privilege of knowing her.

-Michael Ash

My sympathies to Eileen's family. She was such an interesting person and a friend to all.

-Judy Christenson

Condolences to Brock and Lyn and their families.
They were good High School friends in the 60’s

-Ron Nelson

Condolences to Brock and Lyn. Two good friends from H. S. in the 60’s.

-Ron Nelson

So sorry for your loss of a beautiful lady. Knew her for many years and was lucky enough to be volunteering at Belvedere Heights and have visits with her. She loved playing cards with her lady friends right up until Covid started. Condolences to all her family and friends.

-Marilyn Hurd

I'm so sorry I missed the Memorial for Eileen as she was a dear friend of my parents when she lived in Reeking apartment. Then she became my store decorator at the Salvation Army Thrift Store for several years til we both retired. Wonderful lady I will miss our chats Eileen 😢 💔

-Cathie Crossman