Obituary of Grace Parker

Grace Joan Parker, 86, of Central West River, Pictou County, passed away on Tuesday, July 24, 2012 as the result of a motor vehicle accident. Born on March 15, 1926, Grace was the daughter of the late George and Grace Lambert of Mount Thom. Grace was a long time school teacher in Pictou County, having taught in many one room schoolhouses and finished her 30 year career teaching at West Pictou Consolidated School. She always knew she wanted to be a teacher, she loved children and loved teaching them. Mom was very proud of her 8 boys. She had incredible love for all their families, including her many grandchildren and great-grandchildren. She spent endless hours preparing for their birthdays and other special occasions, and she enjoyed every minute of it. Grace had a strong faith that saw her through both happy and sad times. She was an active member of West River Presbyterian Church where she belonged to the W.M.S. and the Ladies Guild. Mom loved to go to church. She was a true people person, an eternal optimist, a terrific ticket seller and a great political campaigner. She is survived and will be deeply missed by her sons, Charlie (Marilyn), Bob (Colleen), Dave (Elaine), Darrell (Deana), Frank (Vera), Donnie (Barb), John, and Jim (Brenda), all of Pictou County. Her love will always be treasured by her 27 grandchildren and 12 great-grandchildren. She is also survived by her only sister Florence Hayman (Art), North River, Col. Co.; brother Roy Lambert (Arlene), River John; sisters-in-law, Margaret Henderson (John), River John, and Mary Parker, Durham; special cousin Jean Burnham (John), Harrogate, England; and many nieces and nephews. She was predeceased by her loving husband of 55 years, Charlie, with whom she shared many happy experiences on the family farm. She was also predeceased by brothers Frank and Godfrey Lambert, sisters-in-law, Anna Cluney and Reta Lambert, brothers-in-law, Kenneth and Donald Parker, and James Cluney; and nephews Wayne Hayman and Donald Cluney. A celebration of Grace’s life took place at West River Presbyterian Church, Durham with the Rev. Barb Fotheringham officiating at 2 p.m. on Sunday, July 29. Burial was in the Gladstone Cemetery, Four Mile Brook. Family flowers only. The family is requesting that donations be made to West River Presbyterian Church, The Heart and Stroke Foundation or the Canadian Diabetes Association. "We all love you Mom and know that you are reunited with Dad in the arms of Jesus. We promise to continue to teach your family, present and future, the values of love and caring that you both instilled in us."