Merilyn Anne (Ball) Parker

PARKER, Merilyn Anne  (née Ball) – July 3, 1930-Oct. 3, 2018. Merilyn passed away peacefully in North Bay, Ontario, at the age of 88. Lovingly remembered by her children Gregory, Caroline, Roselyne, Margaret, Susan (North Bay), Daniel (Whitecourt, AB),  Anne (Vancouver, BC), Jennifer (Lindsey) (Maui, HI); sister Patricia Kealey (Ottawa); grandchildren Loretta, Angie, Gary, Sarah, Justin, Katie, Alyssa, Chantal, Alex, Zoe, and Emilia; and nieces, nephews, and great-grandchildren. Predeceased by her children Edward, Rebecca, Dorelda, and parents Edward and Ella. Born in Montreal, Merilyn grew up in Ottawa and had a love of the French language and culture. She obtained a master’s degree in social work from St. Pat’s College (now Carleton U.), and moved to North Bay to work at the Children’s Aid Society. She met and married local journalist Leonard Joseph Parker and for the next 20 years they raised eleven children together. An avid outdoor enthusiast with an active mind, Merilyn was known for her wide variety of interests. Swimming, hiking, skiing, camping, tennis, cycling and scrabble were among her favourite pastimes. Upon retirement, she travelled the world for a year. A volunteer with Catholic Women’s League, Nipissing Naturalists Club, PEP Place, Multicultural Centre, L’Arche community, and Capitol Centre, Merilyn was a generous donor to numerous causes and touched many lives in the community. She was deeply spiritual, and loved participating in meditation groups, drumming circles, and attending powwows. A special thank you to Cassellholme staff.  A Celebration of Life Visitation will be held Friday, October 12 at 2:00-4:00 pm and 7:00-9:00 pm upstairs at the North Bay Discovery Museum. A funeral mass will be held Saturday, October 13 at 11:00 am, at Pro-Cathedral, with a luncheon immediately to follow. In lieu of flowers, the family prefers that you donate to the charity of your choice.