Irene Alice Parker (MacFarlane)
Born to John and Phoebe MacFarlane, February 20, 1920 on Fairfield Island, Chilliwack, BC, 'Renee' passed away peacefully January 13, 2017 in Summerland, BC at the age of 96. She was predeceased by her husband E.A.J (Jack) Parker in 1994 and survived by her sister Jean Trout (Kamloops), her daughter Marilyn Topham (John), her son Richard Parker (Candice), her grandchildren Jeff, Andrew (Tacia), Barry (Mingqi), and Brenda; and her two great grandchildren, Everett and Thea.
Born the eleventh of fourteen children, Renee worked on the family farm, married Jack Parker in 1943, and began their married life in Portage La Prairie, MB, where Jack was stationed at McDonald Airbase with the RCAF. Their first child, Marilyn was born in 1944. The family returned to Chilliwack after WWII, where their second child, Richard arrived in 1951. Renee worked for several years as a stenographer and later at the auction sales at Chapman's Auctioneers in Chilliwack. Renee and Jack loved a life of camping, fishing, curling and raising their family. Her home on 5th Avenue in Chilliwack was the go-to place for apple pie, and marathon games of hearts and bridge (she was always very creative with 'house' rules...). Adored by her grandchildren, she loved crossword puzzles, and was always there for her family and friends. At 90, Renee moved to the Summerland Seniors Village, where she was much loved and cared for by the staff, for which her family is very grateful. A Celebration of Life ceremony, with a service at the Little Mountain family plot in Chilliwack, will be announced at a later date. Please, no flowers by family request. Donations may be made to the charity of your choice.
Condolences may be directed to the family through providencefuneralhomes.com250-494-7752.