Shirley Lila-Mae Parks (Burton)
March 3rd 1928-May 18th 2026.
Peacefully on her own terms at the North Bay Regional Hospital after a brief illness. Predeceased by her husband Merle, Daughter-in-law Gayle, Grand Daughter Alisha, Grand-daughter Samantha, Sister Ivy Hill, Brother in law Velmore Hill and parents Henry and Maggie Burton. Mother is survived by her sons; Dale (Jennifer) and Burton (Holly) and Grandson Kevin.
Mom was born in the Ottawa-Valley in Braeside Ontario. Her father believed in hard work and keeping the family together. This was during the great depression, so he moved the family to wherever the work was. They eventually settled in Calvin Township where they owned and operated a farm. Mom always had a strong work-ethic and as a result she began working at a young age helping around the farm, baby sitting and many other odd jobs to earn extra money. She also worked in Toronto for a time during her teens as well. She returned to North Bay and worked at the Old Chicago Restaurant. Mom then attended/graduated from a hairdressing school in North Bay. She operated a hairdressing business out of her house in the city for several years. In 1961 Mom married Dad and eventually moved to the family farm in Rutherglen where she helped with the running of the farm as well as the small school bus company which they operated for years. The school bus business was sold in 1987 and the farm in 2011. Always the social butterfly Mom remained busy socializing with the other tenants at the Woodlands apartments where Mom and Dad moved in 1997 and also helping her son Burton with his Masonic and Shrine events until just recently. She is known affectionately as the Queen.
Many thanks to the PSWs and staff at Cassellholme Homecare for their compassionate care. And of course, the thoughtful and dedicated Doctors/Nurses/Psws in the D3 Ward.
As per moms wishes there will be no service. Cremation has already taken place. Donations to the Montreal Shrine Hospital would be appreciated as tokens of sympathy.
