Obituary of Linda Vera Jane Parlee

It is with great sadness that the family of Linda Vera Jane Parlee announces that she passed away, surrounded by her family on May 1 at the Kiwanis Nursing Home in Sussex. We know that she is now in Heaven with her Savior and without pain. We will mourn our loss but celebrate her gain. Born in Clarkville, York County, NB, on August 30, 1947, she was the daughter of the late Lorne and Emma (Hallett) McIntosh.

Linda will live on in the hearts of her loving husband of 55 years, Bev; her children Kimberley (John) Cook of Glens Falls, NY, Heather (Joe) Lynch of Truro, NS, Alanna Tozer of Ottawa, ON, and Wallace (Tara Bennett) Parlee of Saint John, NB; her brother, Allison (Marion) McIntosh of Clarkville, NB, her sisters, Lorraine (Harland) Cook of New Maryland, NB, and Phyllis (Gary) Spencer of Fredericton, NB; her grandchildren, Christi, Caitlin, and Caleb (Lindsay) Cook, Colson and Zach Tozer, Serena and Mia Parlee; as well as several nieces and nephews.

Along with her parents, Linda was predeceased by her granddaughter, Courtney Faith Cook.

Linda grew up on her family farm where they raised chickens, pigs, sheep and cattle. Her playmates were her siblings, her favorite dog and cat and the horses. She helped by weeding the garden, preserving, driving the tractor to bale hay and her dad’s three-ton truck to pick them up. She followed her father around whenever possible, even going with him when he peeled pulp in the woods.

Linda worked a variety of jobs over the years at Saint John General Hospital, NB Tel in Woodstock, Maples Motel and Cabins, and Glendale Mobile Homes. She worked countless hours in the family convenience store, take out and gas bar in Apohaqui. She had a work ethic like no one else.

By far, her favorite job was driving school bus. She loved all the students she drove and spoke of them often, even in her last weeks. When she was in the hospital, she enjoyed watching the busses go by her window. She was proud of her service as President of the Bus Driver’s & Custodian’s Union.

Her most important job was mother to her four children. She spent more than her share of days in hospital worrying over them, visiting doctors and caring for them at home. She balanced this while driving bus, working in the store, keeping a clean house and making home-cooked meals for her family. She was always there and ready to help as her children got married and had their own families. Often, visits to her children involved helping them with home projects or mending clothes. They were always at the top of her prayer list.

Linda enjoyed bird watching and travel but her grandchildren were her pride and joy. She often cooked for them and had them for long summer visits.

She read her Bible daily and her faith in Jesus sustained her during her four-year battle with cancer. Her pastors and church family were very important to her.

Linda also volunteered tirelessly alongside Bev with Samaritan’s Purse Canada Disaster Relief. This was a cause that was near and dear to both of their hearts.

Arrangements have been entrusted to the compassionate care of Wallace Funeral Home, 34 Sunnyside Drive, Sussex, NB (506-433-1176) from where a public visitation will take place on Friday, May 6 at 2:00-4:00 and 6:00-8:00.

A Celebration of Linda’s life will take place at Encounter Church (Sussex Wesleyan) at 280 St. George St, Sussex, NB (506-433-3500) on Saturday, May 7 at 3:30 with a graveside service and luncheon to follow.

Donations in memory of Linda may be made to Samaritan’s Purse Disaster Relief, Encounter Wesleyan Church or Kiwanis Nursing Home. Personal condolences to the family and donation may be made through wallacefuneralhome.com