Obituary of Mary Blair Parker

Mary Blair Parker, 95, passed away peacefully on July 25, 2025 at the Aberdeen Hospital, New Glasgow surrounded by her loving family. 

Mom was born on August 18, 1929 minutes before her twin sister Frances to parents Sam Sutherland and Margaret Blair. 

She grew up in Watervale, Pictou County where she attended the one-room school. After her Mother passed away in 1946, Mary became the caregiver to her younger brothers.  Upon completing her Grade 11 she attended Truro Normal College and received a teaching permit. For the next few years she taught school in local one-room schools including Watervale where she taught her brothers Johnnie and Freddie Sutherland making many memories and stories that were often shared.

After her marriage to Kenneth York Parker she moved to Durham where she resided until her death. Mom played an active part with Dad on the family farm growing strawberries, vegetables and raising beef cattle. 

With a strong interest in the community she was actively involved with the Durham Community Hall for many years. Mom was a member of the United Church of Canada and an adherent of the Scotsburn United Church. She was a past member of the Crystal Fountain Rebekah Lodge # 11, Westville.

Over the years Mom enjoyed many activities including old time music and dances, painting, weekly bowling with the WI League, card games and lately puzzles of all kinds. She had a keen interest in news events, the weather and government at all levels especially as it related to farming. Her interest in the farm especially the strawberries continued all her life.  

She is survived by her children Margie, Betty, Donna (Timmy Williams) and Kennie (Mary Nicholas) Parker. She was a loving grandmother to Sabrina, Gregory (Lovetta), and Derek (Carolyn) Gladney; Nicholas (Sara), Tyler (Amanda), Matthew (Alice), and Micaela (Chris) Williams; Eric and Becky Parker (Mike). Great-grandmother to Erica, Parker, Forrest  and Jackson Gladney andEli Patterson;  Blair, Harper, Cam, Addie, Otis and Quincy Williams;  Lola Parker; Jace and Rosie Hutchinson. She was also survived byher niece Sharon Delaney (Bruce) and nephew Gerald (Bev) MacDonald and her sister- in - law, Margie Henderson.

Mary was predeceased by her parents, husband, K Y Parker (1986), twin sister Frances (2013), brothers Johnny (2011) and Freddie (1973), brothers-in-law Reid MacDonald (2006) Donald (1955) and Charlie (2005) Parker and sister- in law Anna Cluney(1997).

The family extends their deep appreciation and thanks to the caregivers, Shirley Cameron and the staffs of Careforce and the VON which allowed Mom to remain in her own home.

Funeral will take place from Eagles Funeral Home, Westville on Wednesday, July 30 at 3:00 PM with visitation before the funeral from 1:00- 3:00.  Burial is in the Durham Cemetery with a reception to follow at the Durham Community Hall.  Donations in her memory can be made to NS Heart & Stroke Foundation, Red Cross or a charity of your choice.