MARGARET SUSAN BLANCHE PARKES (MURPHY)

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MARGARET SUSAN BLANCHE PARKES (nee MURPHY) Mom passed away peacefully on November 19, 2010 at the Eriksdale Personal Care Home. Mom was born on September 24, 1922 in Welby, SK. She was the eighth child of George Bruce Murphy and Grace Robena Murphy. On September 29, 1937 Mom and her family started their move from Spy Hill to Eriksdale Municipality. This trek took over three weeks and many adventures before they arrived in Eriksdale with their cattle and their horses. Mom married Norman Parkes in May of 1944. They farmed together at Oatfield. After Dad passed away in October of 1980, Mom continued actively farming for many years. During her life at Oatfield she was Postmistress for the Oatfield Post Office from 1951 until 1969 when it closed after 53 years in the Parkes' residence. Mom's greatest love was her garden and flowers which adorned every corner of her house and yard. She was also an avid artist; drawing, painting and working scratch art. Mom loved music and enjoyed singing whether it was during a get-together or while doing housework or chores outside. Mom is survived by her two sons Vernon (Marlene) and Bruce (Colleen); her six grandchildren Cheryl, Mark (Tracy), Anita (Ken), Tanya (Dave), Twyla and Carl; her nine great-grandchildren Zac, Jade, Megan, Evan, Austin, Autumn, Eric, Jason and Jessica; a sister Audrey; brother Lawrence (Anita); sister-in-law Laura Murphy and a brother-in-law Bill Neely along with many nieces and nephews. Mom was predeceased by her husband Norman Parkes; her parents George and Grace Murphy; sisters Annie, Alice and Barbara; brothers Ray, Bill, Fred, John, George, Glenn and special close friend and companion Tom Nixon; Norman's brothers and sisters Sam, Jack, Mabel and May and grandson-in-law Dale Braybrook. A memorial service will be held at 2:00 p.m. on Friday, November 26, 2010 at the Eriksdale Recreational Centre with Pastor Bill Watson officiating. Interment to follow at a later date. Honorary pallbearers for Mom that day will be all her grandchildren. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Eriksdale Personal Care Home, c/o Sharon Thorgilsson, P.O. Box 130, Eriksdale, MB R0C 0W0. We would like to thank the doctors, nurses and staff of the E. M. Crowe Memorial Hospital and the Eriksdale Personal Care Home for the excellent care given to our Mom. Arrangements by: ARNASON FUNERAL HOME Ashern Lundar 1-204-768-2072 1-866-323-3593

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Nov 23, 2010