Genevieve Doris Parsons (nee Sparkes)

October 25, 1939 to July 4, 2021

Obituary

To view the online service for the late Genevieve Parsons on Thursday, July 8, 2021 at 11 a.m. from The Carnell Memorial Chapel, please click the following link:

https://view.oneroomstreaming.com/authorise.php?k=1625599524123851

 

Passed peacefully away in the presence of her family, Genevieve Parsons (nee Sparkes) in her 82nd year.  Predeceased by her husband of 52 years, Rex, her parents Galpine & Pearl, and sister Judy. Left with beautiful memories, her son Robert (Gale), daughters Janet Jay Parsons (Eric Davidson), Laura Windrim (Dave); Grandchildren Lance, Liam, Ethan, MacKenzie, Sophie, Sam, Matthew and Elizabeth and great granddaughter Poppy.  Also left to mourn are brother Lester (Ray) Sparkes (Rosemary), sister Yvonne Cooper (Lloyd), brothers-in-law David Morris and John Parsons, sister-in-law Joan Bowler (Paul) and many nieces, nephews, and close friends.

Born in Glovertown, raised in Glenwood, she met Rex, the love of her life while he worked on the Gander River bridge.  She graduated from the Grace School of Nursing in 1960 and after a few years set aside her career to focus on raising their three children.  Continuing to follow her nursing instincts, she volunteered with the Women’s Auxiliary Group at the Waterford Hospital.  Genevieve loved to paint, and her beautiful gardens were often her subjects.  Many of her pieces adorn family homes, and others were donated to auctions benefiting various charities.  She was an accomplished baker and cook and loved to entertain.

Early years were spent with the kids in the woods, on rivers, and snowmobiling at their cabin in Gambo.  Genevieve and Rex also loved their sailboat, and friends at the Royal Newfoundland Yacht club.  They spent years exploring our amazing waters and shores. Genevieve and Rex were avid world travelers and had many wonderful adventures in foreign lands.  Later years were spent enjoying their trailer touring the province, and spending time with friends at their cabin in Spread Eagle, Trinity Bay. 

The family would like to thank her wonderful caregivers with a special note to Denise Hiscock, whose companionship and gentleness added warmth and comfort to Mom each day.

Family will receive visitors at Carnell’s Funeral Home, 329 Freshwater Road, St. John’s, on Wednesday, July 7 from 2-5, 7-9 p.m.  Funeral will be held from the Carnell Memorial Chapel on Thursday, July 8 at 11 a.m.  Covid protocols and regulations will be followed.  

In lieu of flowers, donations in Genevieve’s memory may be made to the Alzheimer’s Society or a charity of one’s choice.  

Schedule

Visitations

2-5 p.m. on July 7, 2021

7-9 p.m. on July 7, 2021

Carnell’s Funeral Home
329 Freshwater Road
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funeral

11:00am, Thursday July 8th

The Carnell Memorial Chapel
329 Freshwater Road
View on Map


Condolences

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Very sorry to hear of Genevieve’s passing. She was a wonderful person and very kind to me when I joined the watercolour group. She will be missed by all who knew her.
Condolences to all her family.
Marty Woodworth

The Parsons family
Our sincere condolences on your Mother’s passing. We always enjoyed seeing your parents at both Rotary and Engineering functions. Family was always a topic of conversation and they were very proud parents/grandparents.

The Parsons family
We were saddened to hear of Genevieve’s passing. My deepest condolences to your family.

Dear Janet, Laura and Robert., Our most sincere condolences on the loss of your Mother. Sorry we missed the Chapel service, but we watched and enjoyed every bit on line. Gill did a great job! Memories of the neighborhood dinners, a few boat afternoons, and you kids growing up, came flooding back. It’s been a tough road for you all, but take pride in knowing that you did the very best to make her comfortable. May she rest now in peace!
Derek and Carolyn Tilley

In 1967, I met Robert in Kindergarten at St. Michael’s Elementary and we subsequently attended all grades together. Genevieve Parsons was thus a presence throughout my entire childhood and adolescence. School concerts and functions, birthday parties – and later, as we both lived in the west end, I’d often see her at the supermarket or the mall. Maybe at the RNYC. From a child’s perspective – which can be quite scathing at times – she was nowhere near a typical friend’s parent. Elegant, chic, beautiful – with her long, straight black hair, her tall boots, and wide brimmed hats. She had 60s/ 70s star quality. Maybe she was my Cher. I remember just gazing at her with absolute adoration. And then becoming a little shy when she so graciously and kindly acknowledged my presence and chatted. On one such occasion, we were both trying to find good grapes at Sobeys – and she was dressed entirely and gorgeously in black. If I shut my eyes, I can still see her. Still feel this moment. It seems insignificant- but when you’re an impressionable 16 year old and your friend’s mother, who is also the most beautiful woman in the province, is treating you as an equal in the produce department, it’s a major event. I likely floated home with rotten grapes. This was how I knew Genevieve. This is how I will always remember her. Elegant. Gracious. Kind. And I am grateful to her for my lifelong friend. Robert. Love you always.

To the Parsons family,
My sincere condolences on the passing of your mom. I have many memories of time spent with your mom and dad when Genevieve and Judy were in club together.
May all your memories bring you comfort during this difficult time.
Eugene Evans

Robert, Janet and Laura and your families…
So sorry to hear about your mom’s passing. I didn’t find out in time to get to the funeral home but I did watch the service and it was a beautiful way to say goodbye.
I will always picture your mom with her long dark hair in a beautiful braid. She was certainly elegant.
And to have the name Genevieve just suited her so much. In the meantime, she did do grey with style!
Thinking of you all and hope you have special moments together while Laura is home and you can reminisce about the fun times!
Kathy Winsor

To the Parsons Family, have many fond Memories of your Mom in my younger Years while working with your Dad and at Church. She was a beautiful, thoughtful Lady. May the many memories and the love of Family and Friends help you all through this most difficult of times.

Jay Robert Laura.My sincere condolences on the passing of your mother..,Genevieve and I sat next to each other in painting class and helped me along the the way..she was a lovely lady.and friend..Keep so many happy times in your hearts forever.May She Rest In Peace.

Our sincerest sympathies on the passing of your mom. We have wonderful memories of her and your dad ‘s friendship over the last 50 years. May He who is greater than any of us guide and protect you and may all those pleasant memories you have bring a smile to your faces particularly in this moment of sorrow

To Jay and Eric,
Our most sincere condolences on the passing of your mother and mother-in-law. Joan and I had the pleasure of meeting your mother a couple of times at the Club. We remember her well as a sweet, graceful and charming personality! Our thoughts are with you during this sad time and hope it will provide some small measure of comfort in knowing that your friends share in your sorrow.
With kindest regards

To Genevieve’s Family,
My sincere condolences to you all.
Upon hearing of Genevieve’s death, some childhood memories surfaced, as she was a school mate of mine growing up here in Glenwood. In 1952 when the first Girl Guide Company was formed she became my Patrol Leader and I was her seconder. The Guide experience speaks for itself, so much so, that she came home to attend the 50th anniversary celebrations.
Our paths have crossed several times when she visited her relatives here, and lastly at SpeadEagle when we visited our son there.
While reading her obit, it didn’t surprise me that her years were filled with family and a wonderful zest for life, and that she lived it to the fullest.
May she rest in peace.

To Robert,Janet,&Laura, Our deepest sympathy on your Mother’s passing. She was a very lovely lady. May your wonderful memories help you at this time. Betty Lou and Everett Russell

Robert,Janet & Laura….Sorry to hear of your mom’s passing..We shared many happy times & I have lots of fond memories. Thinking of you all at this time. June Snow.

To Janet and the extended Parson’s family,
We extend our sympathy to you on the loss of your beautiful mother. It was our pleasure to look after Rex and Genevieve for many years at 257 Le Marchant. We enjoyed their visits and the stories about the many places they explored around the world. They were lucky to share those special times together.

Dr Bob Quigley and staff

Dear Robert, Janet and Laura,
Gerry and I send our deepest condolences to you and your families as you mourn your dear mother’s recent passing.. May you always feel her warmth and love in your hearts and be comforted by endless memories of her and your dad. Cherish them! She was truly a beautiful person and you were so fortunate to call her ‘Mom’.
So sorry we cannot attend the funeral in person but will join via the live stream to be with you from afar. Ann and Gerry

Jay Eric and Family. We were saddened to hear of mom’s passing. We do hope you take comfort in a lifetime of fond memories. It was a long goodbye and that has the benefit of you having the opportunity to share so much time with her on that journey..
DOMNA AND KEN OBRIEN

Dear Robert, Jay and Laura: I share your sorrow on this occasion. Robert and I enjoyed many happy times with Rex, Genevieve and friends; sailing in Greek Islands and BVI, touring in Europe and UK, many winters in Naples. I also had wonderful personal time with your Mom; painting, golfing, bridge playing and shopping; the most recent of those being our “Goodnight tea times” right here at The Narrows. I feel our generation will end a unique era. I will be with you in the AM to say Goodbye to my good friend, Genevieve.

Shirley and I were saddened to hear of Genevieve’s passing. She and I were in the same grade at Hunt Memorial Academy in Gander. At the 2005 reunion we met her and Rex and discovered that they had a cabin at Spreadeagle, Trinity Bay where Shirley and I also have a cabin. We later visited them at the their cabin. I took a nice photo of them at that time. Our condolences to her family.

We shall always remember the many happy times we spent at the RNYC with Genevieve and Rex and at New Year’s celebrations.Genevieve was such. a joyous, loving person ,delighting in the company of family and friends..Her endless curiosity and sense of fun inspired us all. Our condolences to all her family at the loss of a truly beautiful person.

Yvonne, my condolences on the passing of your sister. My thoughts and prayers are with you at this difficult time.

Robert, Jay, Laura and family,

I am so sorry for the loss of your Mom. Most of my childhood memories include her and your family! My favourite times were spent at your house when she’d have tea and baked treats. She would serve us in the living room from her silver tea service! I never had any better cups of tea nir sweets as good! Our mothers certainly provided us with many fun gatherings that will always bring a smile when I am reminded of them. May you all take great comfort in sharing all of your memories during this difficult time. Keeping you all in my thoughts in the upcoming difficult days.

Jana Sullivan

Laura, Dave, Sophie, Sam & the extended Parsons & Sparkes Families- my heartfelt condolences on the sad passing of your Mum, Grandmother, Sister, Aunt & Friend. From the pictures and stories I heard about your Mum, she seemed like a beautiful person both inside and outside. Such wonderful memories keep her love alive. Sending you love and strength in the weeks and months ahead.
Catherine, David, Sophie, Emily & Cormac Rea (Glasnevin)

So sorry to hear of Genevieve’s passing. Condolences Ray and to all the family

Robert, Janet, Laura and families, thinking about you during this difficult time. So sorry to hear of your Mom’s passing.

So sad to hear of her death. Sympathies to Dave Laura Sophie and Sam. Ros QUIGLEY and family.

Jay,
Deepest sympathy to you and all your family on the passing of your beloved mother. She was a wonderful lady whose spirit of adventure showed in everything she said and did. I met her many years ago when I joined Di’s art group and have missed her dearly ever since she has been unable to attend. Although absent she was spoken of many times and remembered for her warmth and encouragement. She loved to paint flowers, especially wild irises and every time I see one, I think of her. Although your mother has now been released from her earthly situation, death is never easy regardless of age or circumstance. May you find comfort in knowing she is now at peace.. God bless you.

Robert, Janet Laura and family
Sending prayers and deepest condolences to you and your families. How time passes! But memories are forever,. Take care

Genevieve’s family thinking of you at this sad time. May the support of family- friends and good memories give you comfort. I have fond memories of the friendship we shared over the years and i have a painting of hers to remind me.

Robert, Janet, Laura and families. My Sympathy to you all on the passing of beloved Mother and Grandmother. May you all find comfort in all your great memories in the rough days ahead. You are all in my thoughts and prayers at this sad time.

So sorry for your loss Laura and family You are in our thoughts . Lots of love frm leah hall and family

Robert, Janet, Laura and families,
I was so sorry to hear of your mom’s passing. I know all your wonderful memories of Mom and Dad will be a comfort to you in the days ahead.
Roma Quinton

Janet, so sorry to hear of your mom’s passing. I remember her as a quiet, kind gentle woman. Hold your wonderful memories close as they will see you through.

I shall miss you Genevieve. Geoff and I had so much fun sailing with you in Trinity and Bonavista Bays. And after sailing there were trips to Oderin, to Parsons Harbour and to Great Harbour Deep. You and Rex were wonderful travelling companions with a sense of adventure and curiosity and we had many laughs. I shall always remember Rex standing in his grandmothers meadow which he had last seen when he was ten years old.. A treasure trove of exciting memories.! So long dear friend.
Perhaps we shall meet again.
Deanne

I got to know Genevieve and Rex because of Rotary. I worked for Dr. Melvin and became a volunteer with the Bingo sessions at the Seniors Complex. I was invited to many of various functions because of this, the annual lobster boil and the first meeting in September at Rex and Genevieve’s residence. They always made me feel welcome! They were a beautiful couple, My deepest condolences to all of you in the loss of your beloved Genevieve and be comforted in that she is reunited with her beloved Rex! Betty Spearns

Robert, Janet, Laura and Families. So sorry to hear of the passing of your mother. Your special memories of your mother will comfort you in days ahead. My thoughts and prayers are with you all.

To all of Genevieve’s family,
So sorry to hear of Genevieve’s passing. Please know that you are in our thoughts .

Glen and Helen Goobie
Gander

To Robert,Janet ,Laura and Family
Sending our deepest condolences.
May your special memories of your Mom bring comfort now and in the coming days.

To Robert, Janet, Laura and Families
Sorry to hear of the passing of your Mother.
Lots of memories of your Mom and Dad sailing around our great bays and inlets. Our thoughts and prayers are with the family at this difficult time.
Humphrey & Maggie

Our condolences to Robert, Janet and Laura and their family’s. Was nice meeting you Robert when you came to visit Garry at the hospital. Thinking of you all.