IONA MARY PARSONS

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IONA MARY PARSONS (nee WILSON) December 9, 1916 - Port Arthur, ON January 7, 2016 - Calgary, AB Iona Parsons of Calgary, passed away on Thursday, January 7, 2016 at the age of 99 years. Iona Wilson was born in Port Arthur, Ontario, now Thunder Bay, and moved at an early age with parents Mary (nee McLeod) and William Wilson and older brother Archie to Winnipeg, Manitoba. Her sister Wilma was born here and later her brother Bill. Iona completed school and then went to work for Sovereign Life where she met and married Arthur J. Parsons April 25, 1942. Iona, with some high school friends formed a group called the Pepsters and maintained connection through and until her health declined in recent years. She received a number of notes from them when Arthur died in 1997. Iona also was an active member in a business women sorority; that we believe was named Alpha Iota. She served as president and on executive through the years. Iona also attended Central United Church and was active in the UCW. Iona was musical like her mother Mary who was an accomplished singer and harpist. She studied piano receiving honours and distinction as she achieved her grades from "The Associated Board of The Royal Schools of Music, London". Iona rose to the level of teaching status in piano. She was also athletic and enjoyed sports. She belonged to the Canoe Club in Winnipeg and played a good deal of tennis. In later years; she was a member of the Calgary Curling Club and Earl Grey golf club with her husband Art. Iona always made her family her first priority and celebrated each child's achievements and to our surprise kept many notes of our accomplishments through the years. She wrote just prior to increasing dementia that she believed her children and grandchildren were her greatest accomplishment in life and she was so proud of each of them and who they were. Iona is survived by her son Kerry (Sue Allen) of Calgary; daughters Shelagh (Jean Tarr) of Edmonton and Wendy (John) Huey of Radium, BC; and two grandsons Jay (Kara) and Kirby (Vanessa) of Calgary. She was predeceased by her husband Arthur in 1997, brothers Archie and Bill, and sister Wilma. As per Iona's request there will be a private family service. Friends are welcome to celebrate her life in their own way as that is what she would have wanted. Condolences may be forwarded through www.mcinnisandholloway.com In lieu of flowers, a donation to the Mission and Service Fund of the United Church of Canada or charity of choice is suggested. In living memory of Iona Parsons, a tree will be planted at Fish Creek Provincial Park by McINNIS & HOLLOWAY FUNERAL HOMES, Park Memorial, 5008 Elbow Drive S.W., Calgary, AB, T2S 2L5, Telephone: 1-800-661-1599.

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Jan 18, 2016