In Memory of

Nora

Parker

Obituary for Nora Parker

Helen “Nora” Roberta Parker passed away with family at her side on Friday, November 20, 2020 at the Brandon Regional Health Centre after a very brief illness. Nora was born August 8, 1920 in Rathwell, MB – the first of three children born to Robert B. Carter, RSM and Agnes May Margaret Carter (nee Forrest); brothers Jack and Don followed. In the late 1920’s, the family moved to Winnipeg, joining their young uncle, George Forrest. Mom graduated from the Nursing Class of the Winnipeg General Hospital in 1939. During her time as the Head Nurse of their Maternity Ward, she met a dashing young intern by the name of Dr. Richard Parker. They married March 26, 1949 in All Saints Church, Winnipeg, and left shortly thereafter to resume Dad’s Psychiatric residency in Northern England. Mom always thought they might live in the UK for maybe 5 years, but they actually stayed 11. During those years, their three children, Susan, Hellen and David were born. Returning to Canada in 1960, Mom and Dad brought their young family to a new home within the grounds of Brandon Mental Hospital. With Dad’s retirement in 1980, they moved to the house Dad designed on a small acreage just west of Brandon. Happily living there almost 30 years together, Mom remained another 5 years after Dad’s passing in 2009. In 2014, she moved to Victoria Landing and resided happily there until her passing. Mom loved babies, and with her nursing training, was always available to help with any preemies or newborns at Brandon General Hospital. Mom’s interests included curling at BMHC, being a long-standing member of St. Matthew’s Anglican Church, their afternoon ACW club and singing in their choir; and 5 pin bowling with her ladies’ group. She was an avid knitter, and must have provided well over 100 baby outfits to BGH to be sold in their gift shop. She also knitted sweaters for all of us. She loved to travel, and saw many places around the world. She was always up for an adventure - a love of life that never waned. Nora was predeceased by her husband Richard “Dick” and daughter-in-law Sharon. She will be lovingly remembered by her children Susan Parker (Bill Aaroe), Hellen (Ken) Burnell and David; grandsons Trevor (Carey) and Tyler (Terralyn); granddaughters Susan (Scott), Melinda (Chris) and Heather; great grandchildren Cameron, Rylee, Marla, Tyrus and Ryker; and family and friends in Canada, USA and UK. The family would like to thank the staff and management of Victoria Landing who made Mom feel so at home among friends, as well as the terrific BRHC Emergency staff who went above and beyond during Mom’s last few hours. A private family funeral took place on Friday, November 27, 2020 at St. Matthew’s Cathedral. Donations in memory of Nora may be made to the Brandon Regional Health Centre, 150 McTavish Avenue East, Brandon, MB R7A 2B3 or to St. Matthew’s Cathedral Memorial Fund, 403 – 13th Street, Brandon, MB R7A 4P9.