Margaret (aka “Meg” or “Marg”) Parker (née Cairns )

Died peacefully on October 22^nd, 2025.  In her final days, Meg was lovingly cared for by family, dear friend Kelly and all the staff at the IOOF Seniors Home in Barrie.  The family extends their profound gratitude to everyone at the IOOF.

Meg was born February 26^th, 1935 in Bognor Regis, England.  One of seven siblings who grew up during the war years in Great Britain.  Sadly, both of her parents had passed away by the time she was 20 years of age.  Meg joined the WRNS (Women’s Royal Naval Service) at the age of 17 ½ years of age (with special permission from her father as she was under 18).  She told many stories of much laughter and some adventures with her fellow “Wrens”.

She met her husband John at a navy dance in 1954.  She described being thoroughly charmed by his talented piano playing, and he by her ready laugh.  That evening, he asked if he could see her again and a lifelong romance was born.  Meg and John married on December 31^st, 1955.  John said that at least he could never forget their wedding anniversary, and there was always a New Year’s Eve Party to attend!

As a married woman, Meg was immediately discharged from the WRNS on January 2^nd, 1956, as was custom.  Meg and John made their home near John’s family in Bristol, England.  With two small children in tow, they emigrated to Toronto, Canada March 7^th,1966, where they found themselves quite profoundly shocked by the very cold weather they encountered as they had not brought winter coats with them!  Meg and John were both friendly and social people and made many life-long treasured friends in their adopted country, including both Canadian and also fellow UK immigrants.

Meg was a homemaker, but also had a talent for working with numbers, so she worked for many years in various bank branches.  The arrival of five grandchildren brought Meg and John incredible joy.  Meg was delighted to meet her new great-grandson Harold in 2024.  Meg was able to visit her brothers and sisters and many nieces and nephews over the years in both the UK and in NSW, Australia.

Both Meg and John were able to travel to visit daughter Jennifer in various beautiful places including the mountains of central Idaho, Hawaii, Portland, Oregon and Bellingham, Washington state.  Meg and John moved to Barrie upon John’s retirement.  They had great fun playing darts with the local neighbours, especially in John’s basement “pub”.

After 60 years of marriage, and several years of Meg being his primary caregiver, John passed away.  Meg carried on being active.  A regular visitor to the Allandale Senior Centre, she played darts with friends weekly. She also enjoyed casual card games, and especially loved playing bocce ball with her friends at The Terraces at 94 Dean Ave.  Meg was a loving Mother, Grandmother and Aunt.  She was a true friend to many, and treasured all her friendships.  She will be remembered for that, and for being a woman of incredible fortitude, with a wonderful sense of humour and infectious laugh.

Meg is survived by her brother William in the UK, children Jennifer, Alistair (Michelle), Jeremy (Amy), grandchildren Emily, Thomas, Christopher, Alison and Odin, great-grandson Harold and many beloved nieces and nephews.  A memorial is being held at St. Georges Anglican Church , Barrie, 9 Granville St., Barrie, on Saturday, November 22^nd 2025 at 1 pm.  In lieu of flowers, the family asks for memorial contributions to the Alzheimer Society of Canada, or St. Georges Anglican Church