Obituary of Rita Parker

 To Watch Recorded Version of Livestream click this link: https://video.ibm.com/embed/recorded/133100061

M. E. Rita Parker (nee Manegre, Johnston)

​​​​​​It is with deep sadness that the family of Rita Parker announces her passing on October 5, 2023. We are all grateful that Mom was able to stay in her home until her passing, surrounded by those that she loved. Rita was a fun-loving, hard-working, creative and talented person, an inspiration to all that knew and loved her. She met all of life's challenges with grit, determination and resilience.

Mom was born in North Battleford, SK on August 10, 1932 to Philibert Manegre and Eva St. Laurent, the third of seven children. Mom took all of her early schooling at the Catholic Convent of Notre Dame.  Following high school, she attended business college. Her first job was for International Harvester as a book keeper.  Mom loved working with numbers!  It was at I.H. that Mom met our Dad, Earle Lewis Johnston.  After their marriage in 1954, Mom chose to stay at home to raise us.  We will all be eternally grateful to Mom for this gift.

In 1962, Dad's job as an iron worker took the family to Saskatoon.  Once all the children were in school, Mom returned to the work force and experienced several rewarding and fulfilling careers. From Avon Lady to working at Sears, first in fabric and notions, followed by a career in the accounting office. In 1978, Mom obtained her real estate license and sold residential real estate for 12 years.  She married Robert Parker in 1991 and they moved to Swift Current to work together at Frontier Agencies.  When they sold the business in 1997, Mom and Bob got their Class 1A Drivers licenses and started hauling RVs from Indiana to points all across North America.  Of all her various careers and jobs, Mom enjoyed this one the most!  Mom loved travelling, meeting new people, and learning new things.

When Mom and Bob finally retired, they made a move to Battleford in 2011. Mom had come full circle.  She had hoped it would be her final move, but declining health, and the desire to be closer to family necessitated a final move to Saskatoon in April of this year.  Mom had always prided herself in being healthy, and doing whatever it took to remain so, which enabled her to have a long and healthy life.  This past August, many of Mom's children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren were able to gather to celebrate her 91^st  birthday.  It was a joyous celebration, filled with love and memories.

Rita left her earthly home on October 5, 2023 to join her parents, Philip and Eva, brothers Arthur, Ernest, and Robert, sisters Lorraine and Alice, son-in-law, Akos, and grandson, Cameron. 

Rita’s memory will forever be cherished by her husband of thirty-two years, Robert Parker, her seven children: BARBARA (Jamie) and their family Cassandra (Warren), Attila (Kristie) and Morgan, Erika (Jason) Logan, Sophie and Keira; JANET ( Gerry) and their family Ryan (Roxy), and Shawn; ROBERT; MICHAEL (Bonnie) and their family Matthew (Katie) Aubrey, Reese, Kaylee and Abigail, James ( Kelly) Jack and Sawyer, Alexandra (Aaron), Robert (Roxanne) Grayson, Jace and Kesler; JOANNE and her family Charissa (Chris) Abigail and Grayson, Tyler (Lindsey) Max and Charlie, Justin (Leah) Aria, Oliver and Jude; BEVERLY (Russ) and her family Gino, Scott (Kira) Ellie and Emmett, Callie (Sam), Sydney; SANDRA (Brent) and their family, Jordan (Erin), Samantha (Morgan) Jake and Sullivan, step children, Randy, Dean Lorraine and Dawn Marie. Brother David Manegre; and countless cousins, nieces and nephews. Mom's passing leaves a huge hole in all our hearts but we are forever grateful for all the gifts she instilled in us and the love she gave us. Rest in Peace Mom - you earned those Angel Wings!

 The Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at The Cathedral of the Holy Family (123 Nelson Road) on Friday October 13th at 2:00 pm.  Interment to take place the following day at 11:00 am at the City of North Battleford Municipal Cemetery.

 In lieu of flowers, memorial donations are welcome to the Saskatoon Food Bank or the Charity of your choice.