Mary Blair Parker, age 95, passed away peacefully on July 25, 2025 at the Aberdeen Hospital in New Glasgow, surrounded by her loving family.
Mom was born on August 18, 1929, just minutes before her twin sister Frances to parents Sam Sutherland and Margaret Blair.
She grew up in Watervale, Pictou County where she attended a one-room school. After her mother passed away in 1946, Mary took on the role of caregiver for her younger brothers. After finishing Grade 11, she went to Truro Normal College and earned a teaching permit. For several years, she taught in local one-room schools including Watervale where she had the joy of teaching her brothers Johnnie and Freddie Sutherland, creating many memories that were shared often.
After marrying Kenneth York Parker, she moved to Durham where she lived until her passing. Mom played an active role alongside Dad on the family farm growing strawberries and vegetables while raising beef cattle.
With a strong interest in community service, she was actively involved with the Durham Community Hall for many years. Mom was a member of the United Church of Canada and regularly attended Scotsburn United Church. She was also a past member of Crystal Fountain Rebekah Lodge #11 in Westville.
Throughout the years, Mom enjoyed various activities such as old-time music and dances, painting, weekly bowling with the WI League, card games and more recently puzzles of all kinds. She kept up with news events and had a keen interest in weather and government matters especially those related to farming. Her love for farming-especially strawberries-was something that remained with her throughout her life.
Mourning her loss are her children Margie, Betty, Donna (Timmy Williams), and Kennie (Mary Nicholas) Parker. She adored being a grandmother to Sabrina; Gregory (Lovetta); Derek (Carolyn) Gladney; Nicholas (Sara); Tyler (Amanda); Matthew (Alice); Micaela (Chris) Williams; Eric; Becky Parker (Mike). As great-grandmother she is survived by Erica; Parker; Forrest; Jackson Gladney; Eli Patterson; Blair; Harper; Cam; Addie; Otis; Quincy Williams; Lola Parker; Jace and Rosie Hutchinson.
Additionally surviving are her niece Sharon Delaney (Bruce), nephew Gerald (Bev) Mac Donald as well as sister-in-law Margie Henderson.
Mary was predeceased by her parents Sam and Margaret Sutherland along with husband K Y Parker (1986), twin sister Frances (2013), brothers Johnny (2011) and Freddie (1973), brothers-in-law Reid Mac Donald (2006), Donald Parker (1955), Charlie Parker (2005) as well as sister-in-law Anna Cluney(1997).
The family expresses their heartfelt gratitude to caregivers Shirley Cameron along with staff from Careforce and VON who made it possible for Mom to stay in her home.
The funeral will be held at Eagles Funeral Home in Westville on Wednesday, July 30 at 3:00 PM with visitation prior from 1:00-3:00 PM. Burial will take place at Durham Cemetery followed by a reception at Durham Community Hall. In lieu of flowers or gifts donations can be made to NS Heart & Stroke Foundation or Red Cross or any charity you choose.
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