It is with deep sadness we announce the passing of Alvina Parmeter on June 3, 2024 at Pinecrest Home for the Aged in Kenora at the age of 89.
Left to mourn are her daughters Penny (Martin Shier), Heather (Chris Huntus) and Dela (Keith Johnson)
Grandchildren Brooke (Mitch Thorpe) and great granddaughter Blaire; Lauren, Daniel, Mitchell, Baylee and Matthew (Holly); two remaining sisters Mavis and Peggy, and sisters-in–law Pauline Wilson, Karon Wilson and Alda Parmeter; many beloved nieces and nephews.
Predeceased by husband Wally, parents Joseph and Dorothy Wilson, sister Anne, brothers Ardon, Howard and Douglas. Nephews Michael, Bradley, Jason, Robbie and Aaron, nieces Desiree and Maryanne, brothers- in laws Gerald, Bill and Kenny.
Mom was born in Emo and grew up in Fort Frances. She was the third girl in a sibship of seven. She had fond memories of time at the farm with grandma Lutz, often spoke of her uncles Alvin and Fred whom she was named after. She graduated from Fort Frances High School and went on to the four year nursing program at McKellar General Hospital in Thunder Bay. She graduated a Registered Nurse. Having been a four year course, she made lifelong friends with the nurses she was in residence with and continued contact with them over the years. They continued to have reunions every ten years or so, the last being the 55th reunion in 2014 in Kenora.
Mom met dad while she was doing her nursing training in hospital in Thunder Bay. They fell in love, got married and moved back to the family homestead on Parmeter Road where they raised their three daughters. Mom and dad both had careers in helping people, Wally was an officer for the OPP and mom was a Registered Nurse. Mom worked for many years at Lake of the Woods District Hospital, on the Chronic Care Ward and went on to work at the Kenora Jail as a Registered Nurse before retiring in the early nineties.
Mom enjoyed country living, enjoyed nature and always maintained flower and vegetable gardens. Mom enjoyed time spent with her siblings, be it family weddings, house boating or memorable trip to Nashville.
Volunteer work was important to mom. She volunteered at the soup kitchen for many years, and with the Bethesda Lutheran Church in various capacities; Mary Ruth Group, Church Council and taught the Sunday School classes which her grandchildren attended for many years. Mom also loved working with and teaching children, especially reading and spent time volunteering in her grandchildren’s schools. Mom loved children, even at one time fostering a child requiring special nursing needs.
No words can express the joy and pride she had for her grandchildren, she had a special bond with each of them and was thrilled when her great granddaughter Blaire was born. She ingrained good family values to each one of them, instilling the importance of family and faith. They enjoyed their sleep overs with grammie and have great memories of mom hosting Sunday dinners and the sunny summer days on Parmeter Road.
Mom was very well read and enjoyed learning about the world around her. She was well informed about government issues and wouldn’t hesitate to send her letters of concern if things did not seem right or fair. She supported many charitable organizations such as Covenant House, Amnesty International, World Wildlife Federation, EcoJustice, Doctors Without Borders and Greenpeace.
Mom was a faithful woman, reading her bible and attending church regularly. Mom endured many of life’s hardships with the unyielding strength of her faith which would always bring peace to her.
Special thanks to Benidickson staff where mom lived for ten years and received excellent care and support. Mom then moved to Pinecrest in 2022.
Family would like to thank Dr. Vaudry, staff at Benidickson Court and Pinecrest Home for the Aged for the care mom has received.
Service will be held at Brown Funeral Home & Cremation Centre on Friday, June 14th at 1:00 p.m. with luncheon to follow at the funeral home. Private family interment of ashes at Lake of the Woods Cemetery to follow.
In honour of Alvina, donations can be made to any of the charitable causes listed above or to a charity of one’s choice.
Rest in Peace mom.
Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.brownfuneralhomekenora.com for the Parmeter family.
