Obituary of Kathy Parlee
ALWAYS IN OUR HEARTS
Katherine “Kathy” Parlee (nee Gallant)
February 02, 1944 – August 06, 2023
It is with profound sadness that we announce the death of Katherine Marie Parlee (Sussex Corner, New Brunswick) born in Elgin, New Brunswick, who passed away at the Saint John Regional Hospital on August 06, 2023. She married her long-time friend and love, Milford Douglas Parlee who preceded her death on April 26, 2015.
Katherine was predeceased by her maternal parents: Frank Gallant and Laura (nee Doiron), her siblings; Joseph, Walter and James Gallant, Yvonne Carr (Paul), her daughter, Diane Desruisseau, daughter-in-law Carol Hawkes, sister-in-law Shirley Gallant and her parents- in-law, Charles Parlee, Ella Mae (nee Mills) and Kathleen (nee Duncan).
Katherine is survived by her brothers: Lester, Austin Gallant, daughters, Janice Hartley (Darren), Nancy Hartley (Kevin), daughters- in-law Brenda Anderson (Allison), Lorna Lawson, Gail Carson (Darrell), son-in-law Michael Parlee (Patricia), Gary Parlee and Don Hawkes. In addition, survived by several sisters-in-law, nieces, nephews, granddaughters: Rebecca, Michelle, Erica; grandsons: Andrew, Nicholas, Dennis, Mark, James, Darryl, Jerrod, Sean and several other grandchildren and great grandchildren, and their families, all of whom she loved dearly.
Katherine treasured her family time, spending it in New Brunswick, Prince Edward Island, Ontario, the West Coast and traveling through various states within the USA. Katherine and Milford loved an adventure and would go camping when the season allotted these getaways. Katherine started a bell collection a long the way. Katherine had an article published in the Sussex – Record, outlining all the variety of bells within her home at that time her collection was up to 615 bells.
Katherine was resourceful and enjoyed crafting, quilting, that became an obsession for a period, as Katherine practiced her skills. Creating delightful pillow tops, kitchen towels and potholders to name a few. Preparing and assembling fudge and pickled treats to take to the Market with Milford kept Katherine in the kitchen formulating new recipes and ideas.
Volunteered with the Sussex Royal Legion as part of the Ladies Auxiliary Sussex Branch #20 for many years to give back to the veterans and the community. Keeping with all the ladies, Katherine was an integral part of a winning women's bowling league for numerous years. One of her favorite past times was to attend Bingo and to try her luck at winning the jackpot.
Katherine was an animal lover and enjoyed the company of her pets over the years. (Sandy, Baby and Kit Kat), were synonyms for pure joy. Appreciated the beauty of nature, watching all the birds that flocked to a tree located by her living room window was a sure way to bring a warm smile.
Katherine had a remarkable bond, with her cousin Eileen Peters, Debbie Moazemi, Hope and Gary Malloy, Brenda and Al Anderson, Kim and Doug Simpson, Alice Mallory, Elizabeth Decker, Wade Hewlett, and Rose Brighton. We are so grateful for the love, kindness, and compassion they shared.
Katherine, was loving, witty, kind-hearted and generous with her time, commitment to her family and friends. She would want to extend her deepest love to her family, extended family and friends that had the fortune to share memories, special moments and the close knit bonds held over a lifetime!
Our sweet Momma was and always will be the "Queen and Soul" of our family!
A MOTHER’S LOVE
BY HELEN STEINER RICE
A mother’s love is something that no one can explain—
It is made of deep devotion and of sacrifice and pain.
It is endless and unselfish and enduring, come what may,
For nothing can destroy it or take that love away.
It is patient and forgiving when all others are forsaking,
And it never fails or falters even though the heart is breaking . . .
It believes beyond believing when the world around condemns,
And it glows with all the beauty of the rarest, brightest gems . . .
It is far beyond defining, it defies all explanation,
And it remains a secret like the mysteries of creation . . .
A many splendoured miracle man cannot understand
And another wondrous evidence of God’s tender guiding hand.
A mother’s love is like an island in life’s ocean vast and wide,
A peaceful, quiet shelter from the restless, rising tide.
A mother’s love is like a fortress, and we seek protection there
When the waves of tribulation Seem to drown us in despair.
A mother’s love is a sanctuary Where our soul can find sweet rest
From the struggle and the tension of life’s fast and futile quest.
A mother’s love is like a tower Rising far above the crowd,
And her smile is like the sunshine Breaking through a threatening cloud.
A mother’s love is like a beacon Burning bright with Faith and Prayer
And through the changing scenes of life We can find a haven there….
For a mother’s love is fashioned after God’s enduring love,
It is endless and unfailing Like the love of Him above.
For God knew in His great wisdom That he couldn’t be everywhere,
So he put His Children In a loving mother’s care.
“An Angel lived among us, a gift from God above.
She showered, us with kindness and shared with us her love.”
Arrangements have been entrusted to Wallace Funeral Home, 34 Sunnyside Drive, Sussex, NB (506-433-1176). A celebration for Katherine Parlee will be announced at a future date for a private ceremony.
Donations in memory of Kathy may be made to a charity of the donor’s choice. Personal condolences to the family and donations may be made through wallacefuneralhome.com.
