Tribute

Patricia Ann Parker passed to a better life on April 19, 2025 with family members at her side. Pat was 87 years old. She was the last surviving member of six siblings including Mary, Betty, Charles, Kitty, and John. Her German and Irish grandparents immigrated to Pennsylvania and that is where Pat started school. Later Pat’s family moved to Los Angeles where life was pleasant. Unfortunately Pat’s father died when Pat was four years old. As she grew adult responsibilities were thrust on her at an early age. She would have to hurry home from school and help care for a younger brother who was mentally and physically challenged. Pat’s mother had to work outside of the home in order to support the family. The U.S. did not have a good social welfare net system in those years. Pat completed school in the L.A. area and then attended business college. She then worked as a bookkeeper for some years in L.A., Denver Colorado, and Redding California where she met Roger, her future husband. They married in 1967 and immigrated to Kamloops, B.C. in 1968 where Roger accepted a teaching job in a somewhat experimental senior secondary school. Their two daughters, Becky and Sharon, were born and grew up in Kamloops. For many years Pat worked in the Kamloops school system as a teacher aide doing secretarial work, science aide work, and library aide work.

In 1995 Pat and Roger retired to Osoyoos and never regretted their early retirement. Pat’s strongest interest was her family followed by cooking, sewing, United Church thrift shop work, watching movies, and crafts.

Travel was also high on her interest list as Pat and Roger travelled to Hawaii, Mexico, Ireland, Costa Rica, France, Arizona, and California. A Viking river boat cruise in Europe was a fond memory.

There is a tremendous void in our hearts at this time; but, we realize that she needed to be free from medical problems including a bad fall resulting in a serious injury. Dementia also began to develop in her 70’s. It gradually increased year by year but to her credit Pat struggled against it. At the end perhaps the good Lord took her early in order to spare her from more pain. We will always remember her life and her wonderful smile.

A memorial service will be held on Saturday, May 24th at 2:00 PM at Osoyoos United Church.