Obituary of Margaret Elizabeth Parker

Margaret Elizabeth "Peggy" Parker

July 14, 1930 - June 14, 2019

It is with overwhelming sadness that we announce the passing of Margaret Elizabeth "Peggy" Parker (nee Keeley) in her longtime home in Cole Harbour, Nova Scotia.

Peggy was a most beloved and devoted mother, wife, homemaker, teacher, daughter, sister and aunt, with a great love of family, friends, nature, genealogy, history, literature, film and music.

Born in Bridgewater, Nova Scotia, she spent her childhood and teenage years in Windsor, Nova Scotia, with her Irish immigrant father Peter, American born mother Evelyn (nee Harris), sisters Mary ("Tinty") and Florence and brother James. The family piano would resonate through the house with her playing. She always spoke of beautiful Cape Blomidon sunsets, bicycle rides along the Avon River and visits with her beloved Aunt Flo in Wolfville, Nova Scotia, where her ancestors helped found Acadia University. After her high school graduation she won the 1948 Lord Beaverbrook Scholarship and began classes at Mount Allison University - a time which remained most dear to her. She graduated with the class of 1951. After a period teaching Latin and English in Wolfville, Peggy relocated to Halifax, Nova Scotia, working with an insurance company in the Roy Building. On a trip to Shubenacadie, Nova Scotia, she met Elbert Parker, who would become her husband in 1954, beginning 54 years of marriage. Treasured daughter Linda arrived in 1956 and the young family travelled with NATO forces to live in France and Quebec before returning to the Halifax area. Peggy provided Linda (and later son James) with a solid pre-school education. Peggy and Elbert completed construction of a new home in Cole Harbour, Nova Scotia in 1963 which soon saw the arrival of son James. A red house, red convertible and her in a red coat - that was Peggy's style. In 1967 the family moved to Germany, then relocated to the island of Sardinia, Italy in 1969. Peggy's love of music and film had a great impact on son James in this period with constant visits to movie theatres and music listening sessions. Her time in Europe was filled with trips to Rome, the Isle of Capri, England, Scotland, Wales and the Keeley family home in Connemara, County Galway, Ireland.
Returning home in 1971 to Cole Harbour, Peggy developed a strong interest in genealogy. Assisted by her sister Mary, she assembled a most comprehensive history of her family. Her passion for genealogy never faded and she provided her family with a great gift of knowledge, one that is most appreciated. The years were filled with trips to the cottage in Noel, Nova Scotia, family gatherings and class reunions at Mount Allison University. Peggy's sense of humor and laughter filled her home and her baking skills provided a constant stream of amazing desserts - that rhubarb meringue pie...

Treasured always and forever by son James.

Peggy is survived by son James, sister Florence, brother James, and sister in law Edie, brother in law Ross, nieces Janet, Noreen, Helen and Margaret, nephews Peter and Brendan, great nieces Adrianna, Keeley, Katrina and Shannon and great nephews Nathan, Matthew and Colin.

She was predeceased by beloved daughter Linda, husband Elbert, mother Evelyn and father Peter, sister Mary, sister in law Marion, brother in law Adam and great nephew Christopher.

Heartfelt thanks to Marion and Roy McCallum and family, Daniel and Tara Perry and family, and Barb Dennis.

Burial will be at Brookside Cemetary, Shubenacadie, Sunday June 30th at 2:00 PM.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Peggy's memory to a charity of choice. Online condolences can be made by visiting tjtracey.com.