CHARLENE ELLEN PARKER Obituary

CHARLENE ELLEN PARKER attended Sisler High School in Winnipeg, MB. View the obituary, post a memory, or share a photo about Charlene Ellen Parker.

Graduation Year	Class of 1966
Date of Passing	Jul 10, 2005
About	CHARLENE ELLEN MOWAT (PARKER) JUL 31, 1948 - JUL 10, 2005 On July 10, 2005 surrounded by great love, Charlene Ellen Mowat (Parker) was freed from her ten year burden of Alzheimer's Disease. A great weight was lifted from her spirit and from those who supported her during her illness; her devoted husband of 35 years Alexander Robert Mowat; her loving daughters, Heather Joy and Tammy-Jill (Jared Blair); and her mother Mavis Parker. Met by her adoring father and father-in-law, she is never alone, but welcomed into heaven with wide and open arms. Charlene was born in the heart of cottage country in Kenora, ON as the only child of loving parents Mavis and Stanley Parker. She radiated beauty like the sunshine she loved so much. She had more passion than there are colours and she touched the lives of everyone she met. Like an angel, her giving heart and generous spirit were infectious, inspiring and unforgettable. Our family's incredible journey began when Charlene Ellen Parker fell in love with Alexander Robert Mowat. Like a fairy tale, their love story began in Winnipeg in junior high when Charlene pointed to the boy that she seemed to know she would marry; Alex Mowat. The two grew closer and their love grew stronger as their lives travelled side by side through life and education at Robertson Elementary School, Andrew Mynarski Junior High School, Sisler High School and the University of Manitoba. They were a perfect match. After fulfilling her dream of becoming a teacher, Charlene went on to leave deep and lasting impressions on her students from Hedges Junior High School, Kildonan East Collegiate, Wayota Elementary School, Anola Elementary School, Westview Elementary School and Radisson Elementary School. A creative and gifted role model, she loved to teach and she is remembered fondly. Shortly after receiving her Bachelor of Physical Education in 1969 and her Teaching Certificate in 1970, she and Alex married (also in 1970) and began a family. Taking time off from teaching to focus on her new family - Heather and Tammy would be embraced, cherished and treasured by a devoted and incredible mother. They are sisters surrounded by love. Together, they would all create memories that could never be forgotten. Love held them together. Magnetic and energetic, Charlene was adored by her nieces, nephews, in-laws, friends, and neighbours. It was her smile and her tender ability to make days into Life - that was significant. Her cakes and desserts, her crafts and gifts, her photographs, her enthusiasm for living was remarkable. In the ten years since Charlene was diagnosed with Alzheimer's disease, her family and their love have remained unwavering. Their support and dedication speaks volumes of Charlene's vibrance and grace. Truly an angel, her life has served as a reminder and an epic story of true love and a life well-lived. Charlene has resided at Riverview for the last five years. All the thank-you's in the in the world could never be enough to express our heartfelt gratitude to the incredible staff of Riverview's AB2. Thank you for caring for Charlene as though she was your own. Thank you for embracing us and becoming family. All are welcome to join us in a celebration of Charlene's life at 2:30 p.m. on Friday, July 15 at Cropo Funeral Chapel (1442 Main St., Winnipeg, MB). Flowers are gratefully declined. Donations in Charlene's memory can be made to the Alzheimer Society of Manitoba (10-120 Donald St., Winnipeg, MB R3C 4G2), or to the Sandra Schmirler Foundation (1660 Vermont Court, Cumberland, ON K4A 4J4). We'll love you forever. You will always be in our hearts. Love, Alex, Mavis, Heather and Tammy CROPO FUNERAL CHAPEL 586-8044 As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Jul 13, 2005