Obituary of Muriel Elizabeth Parkes

It is with great sadness that we must announce the death of Muriel Elizabeth Parkes. Muriel "Liz" died peacefully at Victoria Hospital on September 8, 2023. Muriel was the daughter of Mary Elizabeth Parkes (Preston) and Carl Beverly Parkes of London, Ontario. She was born July 30, 1924, with her twin brother Heber Bruce Parkes in London, Ontario. The twins were so tiny that their father Carl could hold one baby in each of his hands. Muriel’s siblings were her twin brother Bruce Parkes (Celia) her sister Vivian June Simons (Joseph) and her younger brother Orville Winston Parkes who survives her.

Muriel led a full and interesting life. She married Jack Ronald Watkin during the Second World War and worked for a time in New York City for the British Intelligence Service. Upon returning to her home in London, Ontario, Muriel gave birth to two sons, Ronald Bruce and Carl Gordon. The family moved to Sarnia, Ontario where she gave birth to two daughters, Shelley Lynne and Mary Jayne. Muriel was a homemaker, a hairdresser and an executive secretary for Clarkson & Gordon (Ernst & Young) until she retired. She then continued to work for the retired partners in the firm until she was 84.

She was an active member of Centennial United Church where she was involved in the UCW group and sang in the choir. When the church closed, she attended Wesley Knox United Church where she made many new friends. Muriel attended church services on her 99^th birthday and was celebrated by the congregation.

Muriel loved all her four children and was active in her grandchildren’s lives. She was delighted with her grandchildren's talents and accomplishments, supporting them any way she could.  When great grandchildren arrived, she would greet each new baby with her special smile and gentle hands.

Muriel will be greatly missed by her family including her 12 grandchildren and 9 great-grandchildren and her many friends. A Celebration of Life will be held for Muriel, date to be determined.