PARKER, Maureen Julia

MAUREEN JULIA PARKER

12 January 1959 – 19 March 2023

Maureen’s life came full circle when she passed away peacefully at the age of 64 on Sunday, 19 March 2023 in the building where she was born, the old Ottawa General Hospital, now Bruyere Palliative Care. She will be dearly missed by her wife Wendy Dennys; sister Sharon Sorrenti and brother Ken Sorrenti (Marlene); sons Mark Skanks (Amaya Tarasoff), the late Peter Skanks (Martha King), and Adam Skanks; nieces Melanie, Loni and Tara; grandchildren Sophie, Rachel, Sarah and Jacob; her close friends Jan Christensen, Sandra McFadyen and Sue Carson. She will be fondly remembered by her colleagues at Family Services Ottawa.

Born to the late Margaret and Arthur Parker, Maureen’s adopted parents are the late Theresa and Joseph Sorrenti.

Maureen was kind and gentle, living her life with love and compassion for everyone she encountered. In her long counselling career, she made a difference in many lives. Fueled by a gentle sense of humour, her infectious laugh echoed throughout the halls, prompting people to say “Oh, there goes Maureen!” In fact, while working with the Indigenous grandmothers of Minwaashin Lodge, she was given the spirit name of Laughing Heart Woman, She who heals the hearts of the People.

Maureen’s interests were wide ranging: she enjoyed African drumming, photography, singing, poetry and painting, to name a few.

The family wishes to thank the staff of Bruyere Palliative Care Unit for their loving, dedicated and skilled care of Maureen in her final days.

A Celebration of Life will be held at 4 pm, Saturday, 22 April 2023 at the Overbrook Community Centre, 33 Quill Street, at the corner of Queen Mary Street.

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May God give you the strength and the courage to overcome these difficult times. May this message bring you the testimony of a profound and sincere sympathy. To help you forget these sad hours, may our thoughts bring you comfort and serenity. Although flowers wither, die and disappear, their precious perfume remains. Like these bright flowers, those we love never die, they remain with us forever imprinted in our memories. There are no words to express how much we are devastated by the loss you live. We just hope that our sympathy will bring you some relief.

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3 messages received

Wendy, Sharon and Ken

Very sorry for your loss. She will be missed by many and always loved by all.
Lauri Pelletier

Lauri Pelletier , March 24, 2023

Wendy, Sharon and Ken

My deepest and most sincere condolences to the family of this amazing human being!
I was in a serious and very tough relationship back in 2010 and Maureen was my guiding light. She helped me understand my self worth and sense of self. Without her help and guidance, I don’t know if I would have had the courage to leave. I wanted to reach out and see this fine lady to tell give her my thank yous as I will be travelling out east in a few days, but was crushed to find this.
I am so blessed and so fortunate to have crossed paths with this light. I’m sending so much love, courage and strength to those who are left to carry on, for now, without her physically….but until we meet again, I thank her sincerely from the bottom of my soul for the genuine gem of a spirit she was.

Sabrina Benjamin , July 10, 2023

Wendy, Sharon, Ken

I am a very old friend of Maureen's, we went to grade school together in Sandy Hill. Maureen was by maid of honor when I got married in Hull at a Justice of the Peace on July 18th 1981. I have been trying to find her for a few years now. I am so sorry to read this and I am sending my sympathies to you and the entire family. I am feeling such a loss right now. If you would care to, please reach out.
Thank you.

Helen Milkovics-Villeneuve, January 9, 2024