Obituary of Alison Marie PARKER

April 21, 1936 – Cudworth, Saskatchewan
August 28, 2021 – Calgary, Alberta

Alison Parker of Calgary, AB, passed away on Saturday, August 28, 2021 at the age of 85 years young.

Alison graduated from St. Paul’s Hospital in Saskatoon with a Registered Nursing Diploma. Alison had a varied and impactful career in nursing. She used to work in a rural hospital in Oxbow and Estevan, Sask. doing everything from delivering babies to caring for seniors to looking after acutely ill people. She also worked for years in Dr. Galloway's and Dr. Drummond's medical office in Oxbow. Before Alison moved to Calgary in 1986, she worked homecare in southeastern Saskatchewan. While in Calgary Alison worked at Bethany Care Centre until her retirement. After she retired, she would spend time volunteering at Bethany playing the piano for the residents there. Alison used to spend every summer at Kenosee Lake when she lived in Saskatchewan and she would say how blessed she was to have so many great memories of the friendships and good times she had there. 

The highlight of Alison’s week when she moved to Calgary was going to the Ranchmans every Saturday afternoon. She rarely missed the jam in the afternoons on this day. Alison was a large part of the group they called the wrecking crew and the Ranchmans used to have reserved tables for them every week. She loved to dance! She was a musician at heart. She could play the piano by ear and she also played the accordion very well. She loved listening to music, old country was her favourite. Alison loved her family dearly. To her family was the most important thing in life and would always host get togethers when she had her condo in Calgary.

She will be most remembered for her infectious smile; she was an incredible nurse and caregiver with an unforgettable personality.

Alison is survived by her son and daughter-in-law Scott and June Parker of Kingston, ON, daughter Lynn Parker of Red Deer, AB; five grandchildren, Michael Dickson of Calgary, Ashley Foss Okazaki of Calgary, Morgan Parker of Kingston, ON, and Lee and Cash Macfarlane of Red Deer. Alison is also survived by her two sisters and one brother, Jo-Anne Olchove and Marian Hedrick of Calgary and Len Olchove of Saskatoon; as well as numerous nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends. 

Alison was predeceased by her daughter Jo-Anne Dickson, mother Catherine Coruk, father Thomas Olchove; and her two sisters, Virginia Yuzdepski, Audrey Gillespie. 

May the road rise up to meet you.
May the wind be always at your back.
May the sunshine warm upon your face;
the rains fall soft upon your fields and until we meet again,
may God hold you in the palm of His hand.

Condolences, memories and photos can also be shared and viewed here.

In living memory of Alison Parker, a tree will be planted in the Ann & Sandy Cross Conservation Area by McINNIS & HOLLOWAY FUNERAL HOMES, Fish Creek, 14441 Bannister Road SE, Calgary, AB T2X 3J3, Telephone: 403-256-9575.