PARKINSON: In Loving Memory of Doreen Beverly Parkinson, who was born July 07th, 1939 at Cloan, SK and passed away December 18th, 2011 in North Battleford, SK. Left to cherish Doreen's memory are her loving children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren: Kelvin & Heather and their son Kyle of Battleford, SK., Sheldon of Battleford, SK. and his daughter Jacinda, step-daughter Katrina Peters of Prince Albert, SK.; Curtis & Michelle and their children: Elisha, Matthew, Morgan and Christy of Baljennie, SK., Charlene & Cassidy Williams and their children Caiden and Chaysen of North Battleford, SK.; her loving sisters and their families: Arlene (Ken) Schwab, children: Sheryl (Lyle), Darin (Treana), Dallen (Colleen), Corey (Debbie), Carla (Charles) Boechler; Marlene Morin, children: Dwayne, Eldon, Corrine (Randy); sister-in-law, Fay (Ted) Snyder, child Stephen (Shannon) Philips. Predeceased by her parents, Folke (Slim) and Carrie Carlson; her husband, Arthur Parkinson and granddaughter, Stephanie Parkinson. Doreen Beverly Parkinson was born July 07th, 1939. She grew up on her parent's farm, in the Drummond Creek district with her sisters Arlene and Marlene. She loved the outdoors. She enjoyed riding her horse, skating, playing hockey, curling, and playing ball. Doreen taught herself to play the guitar, organ and accordion and would perform in Christmas concerts, dances, at church and at home. Doreen's first years of education were at Drummond Creek School and later, graduated grade twelve at the Battleford Collegiate and moved on to teacher's college in Saskatoon. Doreen's childhood dream was to become a teacher and to live in a teacherage and there was no stopping her determination. In 1959 she got her teaching certificate and her first teaching job was at White Swan where she taught for two years. She then accepted a position at Baljennie School where she taught for nine years. There were many country dances and Doreen loved to dance. It was at one of these dances that she met her best friend, soul mate and life-long dancing partner, Arthur Parkinson. Despite vowing to herself that she would never marry a farmer, they married on July 9, 1963. All throughout their lives together they were seldom seen apart. It wasn't until she married Arthur that she realized that being a home maker, and mother was also a dream of hers. For a few years, she taught while married, then quit her teaching job and for thirty three years she was a wife, home maker, mother of 4 children, Kelly, Sheldon, Curtis and Charlene, and grandmother to ten grandchildren all of whom she cherished. Doreen and Arthur always had large gardens that kept their family, the Schwab family and many other people in fresh vegetables and potatoes. Her gardens were always without weeds, and provided many hours of enjoyment for her. She was also a full time business partner with Arthur. All major farming decisions were always unanimously agreed upon. Doreen enjoyed bookkeeping and doing tax preparation for her family and friends for over 45 years. The last twelve years she looked forward to tax season and working with the staff at Profile Tax. Some of the fondest memories were the day she was married, the birth of her children and grandchildren, getting running water, getting an electric stove, getting air conditioning for the house, and family trips. Doreen especially enjoyed the times that she and Arthur would spend working in the garden and checking fields and cattle. One of Doreen's favorite places was home and especially when her family came to visit or stay with her. She loved the times Stephanie, Kyle, Jacinda and Katie spent with her. Later she enjoyed the younger grandchildren, Elisha, Matthew, Morgan, Christy, Caiden and Chaysen and was very proud of them. Her nieces and nephews were also very special to her. Friends and family were always welcome at her house and never went away without something from the garden, a coffee or meal and perhaps a game of cards. After moving to Battleford she made many new friends that were very important to her. Doreen enjoyed attending hockey games with Arthur and her family. Later, she still enjoyed and followed the North Stars hockey on the radio. Doreen also loved to play cards. She enjoyed Kaiser games and tournaments, which she usually did well at. Doreen was very involved with the church all of her life. Attending church and Bible study were highlights of her week. Doreen studied her Bible and had a very deep spiritual belief in its teachings. In her words, "I firmly believe in God and His promises and the assurance of the remission of my sins through the death and resurrection of Jesus. God's promise to never leave us alone has been so evident through my life. He has carried and guided me through so many trials. I could not have made it through life without Him. Death is not the end and I await resurrection and eternal life with our heavenly father and loved ones". The dedication to her faith was demonstrated even during her stay in the hospital. Every Sunday, her son, Sheldon would take the church bulletin to her room so she would be able to keep up with the weekly news and activities and to participate in the service in her own way. Although we have lost our mother, grandmother, sister, aunt, cousin and friend to this world, we know that she is now with our heavenly father and is finally back in the arms of her soul mate. A special message from Doreen to her family and friends. " I wish I could take you with me but thanks to Jesus (God's Love for Us) this is not the end. We will be together again in a far better place. Remember you are never alone. God has promised to never leave you. Whatever your trials may be, He will be there for you. Be happy for me." Doreen's funeral was held December 22nd at Zion Lutheran Church in North Battleford. Memorial donations may be made to the Battlefords Union Hospital - Palliative Care Unit or to Zion Lutheran Church. CARD OF THANKS The family of Doreen Parkinson would like to thank the staff of the Battlefords Union Hospital Palliative Care Unit, especially Florinda Gallano, for all their compassionate care. Florinda, mom mentioned several times how comforting it was when you would slip in her room and sit with her quietly holding her hand. Thanks also to The Battlefords Funeral Service, Pastor Sheldon Gattinger and the Zion Ladies Auxiliary for the lunch. Thank you to Jack Alm and Helmany Loewen for your gifts of music. Mom always loved your performances. And thank you to everyone who sent food, cards, flowers, caring messages, thoughts, prayers, comfort and support through this difficult time. ____________________________________________________
