SHARON LORRAINE PARKER

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SHARON LORRAINE PARKER March 11, 1951 - June 8, 2015 It's with profound sadness we announce the peaceful death of Sharon Parker, at her home in Toronto, surrounded by her family, after a short rapid illness, after a cherished life, lived full and well. Sharon was the beloved wife of husband Dr. Philip Wyatt, and mother of children Geoffrey (Christa) and Kathryn. She will be greatly missed by mother Gwen Parker, Winnipeg, sister Denise (Keith Fraser), Brockville, brother Scott (Denise), Ste. Agathe, and sister Joanne Parker, Winnipeg, as well as nephews and nieces Graeme (Norah), Calgary, Kristy (Saad), Winnipeg, Jason (Lehanne), Ste. Agathe and Brent (Emily), Winnipeg. She is survived by her brother-in-law Charles and nephew Brenan, Toronto, and niece Alyna (Antony), Johannesburg, sister-in-law Barbara (Linn) and nephews Hunter, Rand, Tacoma, and Wyatt, Boston. Sharon was predeceased by her father Lorne Parker, father and mother-in-law, Dr. John and Isabel Wyatt, brother-in-law Gordon Wyatt, and nephew Matthew Fraser. Sharon was born in Winnipeg, and raised near Ste. Agathe. She attended the University of Manitoba completing her Bachelor's degree, followed by a diploma in journalism at the University of Western Ontario in London, ON. She completed her Master of Science (Nutrition) from the University of Manitoba in 1975. This was followed by work in Fredericton, NB as a provincial nutrition specialist for two years before her marriage to Philip, June 23, 1978 in Winnipeg. Sharon worked as a Kentucky state nutrition specialist, while Philip completed his additional training. When they returned to Canada, she started her PhD at the University of Toronto while raising Geoffrey and Kathryn. Upon graduation, in 1988, she taught in the Department of Nutritional Sciences at the University of Toronto for many years. Sharon was an avid reader, gardener, bird watcher as well as a lifelong animal lover. Her home was never without pets. Sharon and Philip were able to do extensive travelling related to their national and international work commitments, and personal pleasure. She enjoyed seeing new sites and being immersed in different cultures as she was both inquisitive and open minded. She actively sought out the wide ranging diversity of cultures she encountered globally. In addition to her family, she will be deeply missed by many friends. She will be remembered as a generous, compassionate, caring, optimistic person always ready to tackle new opportunities and challenges. Never one to be idle, she increased her involvement in the University Women's Club (North York) activities and the Gwendolen Park tennis club following retirement. She had many assorted interests. Hers was a life well lived, contributing as she could, to make things better. A woman who knew her way. A visitation gathering will be held June 12, 2015 from 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. at Jerrett Funeral Home, 6191 Yonge Street, North York (South of Steeles Avenue). In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to: Plan Canada (http://plancanada.ca/) and the David Sheldrick Wildlife Trust Elephant Sanctuary in Kenya (https://www.sheldrickwildlifetrust.org/) Online condolences may be made at jerrettfuneralhometoronto.ca

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Jun 13, 2015