Obituary of Opal H. Parker

PARKER, Opal Hope - 98, White Rock, Kings Co., passed away at Grand View Manor in Berwick, on Monday, October 15, 2012. Born in Waterville, Kings Co., on April 12, 1914, she was the youngest child of the late Wm. Alden Swift and Mary Emma Gertrude (Cooper) Swift.  Opal was the last surviving member of her immediate family.Having grown up in Bridgetown, she first married Raymond Bishop (deceased) of Digby, and then subsequently Wm. Nathaniel Parker (deceased, 1982, former Supervisor with Nova Scotia Power Corporation). Opal and Nat lived in Halifax, Liscombe Mills, Nictaux and resided over 40 years in White Rock. She was a very community-minded individual, and for many years was the accompanist for numerous school concerts and was also church organist for many communities. Always active in the field of music, Opal has taught piano and was a member of many choral groups, and also directed many choral groups. She was instrumental in founding the Eastern Kings Male Choir as their Director when they performed in the late ‘40’s and early ‘50’s. Opal holds the distinction of being the first female Municipal Councilor for the County of Kings, having won her seat by acclamation, and Opal proudly served three consecutive terms (nine years) on County Council in the 1960’s.  She is a past Noble Grand of Horton Rebekah Lodge, Wolfville; a founding and Charter Member, as well as a Past Worthy Matron of Blomidon Chapter, No. 68, Order of the Eastern Star, Wolfville; Past President of the Wolfville Ladies’ Curling Club, former member of the Kings County School Board, Past President of the Wolfville Ladies’ Lionettes Club, Past President of the Kentville Business and Professional Women’s Club, and has served on many committees and boards throughout the County. Opal and her late husband, Nat Parker, organized many variety shows for the community during the war years, and also entertained with music and magic shows.She was predeceased by her parents; brothers, Otis Freeman (killed overseas); Percy, (USA); Raymond (Bridgetown) and Marshall (USA); only sister, Charlotte ("Ted") Adams, (USA); son, Raymond Carlyle Bishop; daughter-in-law, Marlene (Bob); grandsons, Michael and Brent. Surviving are sons, William Herman (Marilyn), Dartmouth; Robert Nathaniel (Lois), Levack, Ontario; Walter David, New Minas; only daughter, Marnie Margaret-Frances, Kentville; granddaughters, Lynn Crowell and Audrey Parker; grandsons, Bill Parker (Dee), Laurie (Dawn) Parker, Glenn Parker, Owen Parker, Brian Parker and Michael Parker; great-granddaughters, Jennifer Parker, Kristen Parker, Janice Crowell and Lara Campbell;  great-grandsons, Will Crowell, Danny Parker, Robbie Parker, Nathan Parker and Trevor Parker, and one great-great granddaughter, Ayla Leavens, several nieces and nephews.Arrangements have been entrusted to Bryce Johnstone of DeMont Family Funeral Home & Cremation Service (902-538-8317). Cremation has taken place. A visitation/reception will be held in the White Rock Community Hall, 1542 White Rock Rd., White Rock, on Sunday, October 28, 2012, between 2 – 4 p.m., with burial in the Parker Family Plot in the Nictaux Cemetery. Donations in Opal’s memory may be made to Grand View Manor in Berwick, or to a charity of your choice. Messages of condolence may be sent to the family by visiting: www.demontfamilyfuneralhome.ca