It is with gratitude of sharing a life well lived and heavy hearts for a loved one lost, that the family of Idella Park announce her passing on February 22, 2012. Her energy and spirit carried her through 89 remarkable years. Idella was born in Yorkton on July 3, 1922. She was the only daughter of Herb and Margaret Thomas. As a young child she looked forward to yearly motor trips to Ashley Ohio to visit her father's family. Idella also enjoyed visiting with her mother's family, her grandfather John Reid the first settler of the Orkney colony, and her Reid and Norman cousins. Idella's loving family suffered the loss of her brother John Lewis Thomas due to diphtheria. Idella received her early schooling at Simpson school, and later was privately tutored at home. She worked for businesses in Yorkton including Gibney's Men's Wear and CJGX radio. On November 5, 1954 Idella married Jack Large the son of Rex and Gladys Large. Idella and Jack moved to Dawson Creek B.C and later returned to Yorkton where they farmed and cared for Idella's mother. In 1974 Jack passed away. Idella enjoyed an active social life with friends and family. She was a lifelong member of the Order of Eastern Star, a choir member of St. Andrew's United Church, and would often play piano for events at the Yorkton nursing home. Her musical talents were a gift that stayed with her. On October 24, 1987 she married Earle Park and together they instructed dancing and took trips to Hawaii, Australia, Europe, the United States and throughout Canada and enjoyed their retirement years. In 2005 Earle passed away and the following year Idella moved to the Bentley. Friends and family were important to Idella. She enjoyed being with people and her home was always welcoming. She enjoyed residing at the Bentley and later at Morris House. Idella was predeceased by her parents Herbert Thomas (1960), Margaret Reid Thomas (1965) and by her brother John (1926). She was predeceased by her husbands Jack Large and Earle Park, by her cousin Ed Reid, and the Norman family cousins: Alvin, Wesley (and son Wayne), Howard, and Josephine Darroch (and son Ted). Idella is survived by Earle's family- Jack and Bevelyn Park of Calgary, and their children Sean and Sandrine Park (Thomas, Alice, Oscar) of Geneva Switzerland, and Jason and Marie-Claude Park (Jack, Madeleine, Beatrice) of Toronto; Dawna Park and Gary Laurence of Saskatoon and her grandson Parker Laurence. She is also survived by a sister-in-law, Kathy Large and family of Nelson BC; and by cousins Helen Norman of Yorkton and children Doug & Dianne Norman of Yorkton, Audrey & Ron Sereda (Jeff and Lindsay, Lindsay) of Saskatoon, Don & Kari Norman (Ryan, Reid) of Regina, Ken & Karen Norman of Yorkton, and Susan & John Mandziuk (Daniel, Matthew) of Yorkton; by Bob & Cheryl Norman (Tracy and Jeff, Trent and Magel) of Saskatoon, Marjorie & Bernie Wlock (Jesse, Brett and Meaghan, Jana) of Yorkton; Dorothy Taylor (Cory, Shellene) of Chilliwack; Susan & Scott Brooker and family of Calgary, and Margaret Reid & family of St. Paul, AB. The funeral service for Idella was held on Tuesday, February 28, 2012 from St. Andrew's United Church in Yorkton with Rev. Milo Spooner Craig officiating. Organist, Shani Apland led members of the church choir and the congregation in the singing of the hymns "Now Thank We All Our God", "Precious Lord, Take My Hand", and "Joyful, Joyful, We Adore Thee". The choir sang as their anthem "Come Christians Join to Sing". Members of the Yorkton Chapter #92 of the Order of the Eastern Star attended the service and gave the Eastern Star Tribute. Piper, David Gillard played the recessional out of the church. The interment took place in the Yorkton City Cemetery with Parker Laurence serving as the urnbearer. Memorials in Idella's memory were to the Orkney Historical Society or to the Heart & Stroke Foundation. Condolences may be left at www.baileysfuneralhome.com Arrangements were entrusted to Bailey's Funeral Home.
