ALFREDA LOUISE PARLEE

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ALFREDA LOUISE PARLEE It is with great sadness that the family of Alfreda L. Parlee (nee Peters) announces her passing on December 17, 2003. Alfreda died peacefully in Toronto at the age of 86. Alfreda was born on April 21, 1917, the sixth of eight children born to Alexander and Katherine Peters of Winnipeg. In her early years, Alfreda enjoyed many happy times at the family homes on Charles and Renfrew streets in Winnipeg which were always open to friends and family. She attended Machray and St. Johns High School in Winnipeg and by the time she reached her early 20s, she was an accomplished singer. Part of a singing trio (together with her sister Elsie), Alfreda performed at a few downtown Winnipeg night spots. During the war years, she and her partners also sang on radio for the troops at home and overseas. Alfreda worked at a variety of jobs over the years, including Great West Life and as a volunteer at No. 2 Air Command in Winnipeg during the war. She eventually started working for the International Nickel Company, and became Executive Secretary to Jim Parlee, the Vice-Chairman of INCO. Working for INCO, Alfreda lived in Winnipeg, Toronto, New York, and Toronto again. She eventually married Jim Parlee and retired to Toronto, where they forged many lasting relationships with friends and acquaintances. Alfreda was very well liked and her warmth, incredible generosity, and zest for life were well known. She was active until the end, playing golf at the Toronto Hunt and bridge at the Toronto Badminton and Racquet Club and York Club. A world traveler, she knew how to live and enjoy her life, her friends, and her family, and we are all richer for having known her. She is predeceased by her husband Jim Parlee; and her sisters, Mildred, Elsie, Marjory, and Lyl; and her brothers, Fred and Ed. She is survived by her brother Lloyd Peters and his wife Alma of Winnipeg. Alfreda was the beloved aunt of Diane, David, Fred, Peter, Bob, and Jim and will be greatly missed by her niece and nephews and their families. A memorial service will be held for Alfreda at 2:00 p.m. on January 9, 2004 at Christ Church Deer Park, 1570 Yonge St., Toronto.

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Dec 24, 2003