Irene PARKER

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PARKER: Irene Ellen Parker, On December 21st at Elllice Lodge, Strathclair Manitoba, Irene suddenly passed away. She was born to Stanley and Jean Fortune on October 13th, 1925 on the farm in the Marney District, Blanshard Municipality. She was predeceased by her parents, her husband Rod in l976, son Kerry in 1980, brother Ken and niece Shirley (Fortune) Geekie. She is survived by her brother Arnold (Jean), sister Joyce Biccum, sister-in-law Ethel Fortune, several nieces, nephews and good friends Darryl Dinko and Joyce Warwick. As well as Rod's extended family. Irene attended Marney school for 9 years and following high school at Cardale she went to summer school in Winnipeg which gave her a permit to teach for a year. She enjoyed teaching at Marland, a one room school and decided to continue her education at Normal school in Winnipeg. A year later she was accepted at Holylea school, she boarded at Mrs. Parker's, here she met her future husband Rod. When he returned from overseas in 1945 Rod and Irene were married on November 2nd, 1946 in Cardale United Church. They farmed in the Strathclair district, their son Kerry was born in January 1953. During her lifetime Irene enjoyed soft ball, snowmobiling, golfing and curling. The highlight came in curling when she and her Strathclair rink won the Manitoba Provincial Curling in l961 and went to Ottawa for the Canadian Diamond D competition, now know as the Scotties Tournament of Hearts. Irene spent many summers camping and golfing at Rossman Lake. For years Tuesday was a busy day when she was the bookkeeper at the Virden Auction Mart. Irene lived in her home in Strathclair for 39 years. In September she sold her home and moved across town to Ellice Lodge. Memorial donations may be made to the charity of your choice. A private family interment will take place at Strathclair Cemetery at a later date.

As published in Brandon Sun on Jan 03, 2015