Beatrice (Bea) May Angelina Parkes (nee Morgan) was born in Iraq on July 14, 1931, then moved with her family to Eltham, London, England in 1934. She took a leap of faith for her true love, and emigrated to Canada in 1954 to join James (Jim) Parkes in Toronto, Ontario, married in 1955 until his death in 1987.
Her “Three Girls” as she would like to say: Kathryn (Sean Russell) of Toronto/Collingwood, Lorinda (Kent Bourn) of Hurst, Texas; and Gwyneth Boddy (deceased, 2024) of Airdrie, Alberta were the center of her universe, and she showered them with boundless love and encouragement. One of Bea’s greatest joys was being a Nana to her grandchildren: Julie Russell (Adam Gingrich); Timothy Russell (Miranda Cunningham); Matthew and Mason Bourn; and Dani Boddy. She was also a doting Great Nana to Cade Gingrich (9 months).
In Etobicoke, Bea led the Our Lady of Sorrow Swim Team to many impressive titles, incredibly only learning to swim herself as an adult then earning her Bronze Medallion certification. Her family celebrated proudly when Bea successfully earned her B.A. at age 53 after 15 years of part-time studies! Active since 1980 in Kleinburg village life; with the apple pie booth at Binder Twine Festival, choir at St. Padre Pio Church, the United Church Women’s organization, book clubs at the library and friendly bridge.
Bea loved exploring the outdoors from canoe tripping down the Grand Canyon, hiking New Zealand and strolling through the Bruce Trail. We will think of her when we are in nature. Bea had a quick wit and knack for games – beating many opponents at Rummikub over the years.
While her departure brings immeasurable sorrow, we choose to remember Bea for the extraordinary person she was— a loving wife, cherished mother, sister to five siblings (notably Alex Hatfield of Kleinburg, Ontario), proud grandmother and auntie to the Parkes and Morgan families in the UK and beyond. Survived by dear brother Dennis Morgan, sister Alexandra Hatfield and sister-in law Edith Morgan.
All are welcome to join the family as we celebrate Bea at the Funeral Mass held in St. Padre Pio Church, 5500 Major Mackenzie Drive W., Kleinburg on Wednesday morning, February 26th at 11 o’clock.
Private family interment Nashville Cemetery, 10445 Huntington Road, Kleinburg.
The family graciously invites everyone to a reception at the Egan Funeral Home, 203 Queen Street S. (Hwy 50), Bolton (905-857-2213) following the Funeral Mass at St. Padre Pio Church.
Condolences for the family may be offered at www.EganFuneralHome.com
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Print Obituary & Condolences
Mrs Tarn Grove (nee Morgan)
So sorry to hear of the passing of my aunt Beatrice Parkes. As she was living in Canada during my childhood, I first remember seeing her photo hanging on my grandmother’s walls, and I remember some studio photos taken of her in her teens where she looked as beautiful as any Hollywood film star. I met her several times when she visited England over the years and she was great company. When my father died in 2016, as well as her sympathy wishes, she kindly wrote a long letter detailing her early memories of her brother which were lovely to read. My condolences to her immediate family, our thoughts are with you at this difficult time.
Teresa Jackson
Dear Kathyrn, Lorinda and family,
So sorry to hear of Bea’s passing. She was a very special lady and I know how much you will miss her, but you will be comforted by all your very special memories. We are travelling in NZ at the moment so won’t be able to share her service with you. You will all remain in our thoughts and prayers. With love From Teresa & Tonyxx
Pat Partinton
Kathryn
Sorry to learn of Bea’s passing. What a life she led. No regrets whatsoever!!
Bea was a Kleinburg neighbour for many years. I always enjoyed watching the interaction between Bea and her sister Alex. I am so sorry for you and your family for this loss.
Julie Russell
Nana – I am so lucky to have a lifetime of memories, laughs and adventures with you. I will always think of you when I eat scalloped potatoes or pea soup. You kept up with the times having multiple emails and Facebook! Thank you for loving Cade and helping sing songs with him,
Miss you always.
St. Padre Pio Catholic Women's League
We have missed her gentle and considerate nature along with her beautiful speaking and singing voice. Bea was always a pleasure to be around and her smile said everything about how much she loved being a part of the St. Padre Pio Parish and the Catholic Women’s League. She was a beautiful friend and support and we knew we could always count on her. May she rest in peace and perpetual light shine upon her. Farewell for now dear Sister in Christ.
Our Lady of Good Counsel, pray for her.
Edith Morgan
Beatrice was my sister in law and friend. Such a lovely person, kind ,loving and full of fun. I will miss you Bea. Rest in peace.
Robin Morgan
I’m so very glad to have known Aunty Béa. She was a very gentle soul with great strength of character, and a sense of fun and adventure. This is all the more remarkable (or perhaps not) considering she grew up in a large boisterous family during the second world war in the most bombed area of London.
Her three daughters, my wonderful cousins, were and are a fantastic testament to her. Our love goes out to them and their families. We’re so sorry we can’t be with you in person to celebrate Bea’s well lived life, but we hope you take some comfort in that she truly lives on in you.
With love from the Morgan – Kanes in Lewisham.
Lorne and Thomson
Kathryn, our sincere condolences to you and your family. I will also remember our many many enjoyable chats
Lea Rutherford
My family and I lived next door to Bea from 1985 until 2016. She was so friendly and kind but private as well. it was wonderful to read her obituary and hear about all the amazing things she accomplished in her life, She was not one to blow her own horn!
My deepest sympathy to her family at this sad time but know that your happy memories will make you smile and remember her with love.
Lea Rutherford and family
Sandra Hughes
I am sad to hear of Aunty Bea’s passing. I have very fond memories of time spent with her on her visits to the UK and mine to Canada. The memories of her bright smile and adventurous spirit will always remain with me. Sending love to you all, Rest in peace Aunty Bea xx
Rebecca Owers
Her warmth when we came together and our regular correspondence as I grew up meant that although the furthest by distance, I always felt close to Bea.
Sending all the family much love, and deepest condolences.
From Rebecca, Tim, and Emily xxx
Kleinburg Book Club
The Kleinburg Book Club sends our heartfelt condolences to Bea’s family. We will miss her insightful comments in our discussions plus her knowledge. She was always thoughtful and caring in how she put forth her opinions. I loved seeing Bea in the library learning new computer skills . She will be missed but not forgotten. All our blessings to her family from the Kleinburg Book Club.
Dennis Richard Morgan
When someone passes it is a sad time, so much more so when that person is a sister or brother. You have spent so many years together, been through many happy family times, and family tribulations, seen each other grow and develop;. and the connections between you also grew and developed and became stronger, more important to your life. So you miss them so much when they are no longer there! The older siblings have been protectors, helpers, educators and supporters to you during your upbringing
For the younger siblings there is the probability you will outlive them and suffer the sorrow of them passing; but remember you have had their love while they were here for which you will be ever grateful. How, for instance, when Harold and I were very young taking us to church and her and Alex singing (so beautifully) in the Church choir.
In a large family (for us , 2 adults 6 children)there is always one who may get to bear a disproportionate burden -invariably the girls. Bea was such a person helping out with the housework, caring for siblings and, when working, adding the family income.- Bea, rest in peace.
Dennis, Sandra, Rebecca
Patty Somerville
My sincere sympathy to all the loved ones of Bea Parkes. I lived many years in Kleinburg and enjoyed Bea’s friendship through our neighbourhood association as well as through CFW. She had a quiet strength and told many wonderful stories about her times traveling. Hold the stories she told you in your heart and she will be there with you forever.
With fond remembrance, Patty Somerville