Obituary of Patricia Parker

Parker: Patricia The Parker/Berry families are incredibly sad to share that our loving sister, daughter, wife, mother, grandmother and dear friend and colleague to so many, Patti, took her own life this week after a long and courageous struggle with Mental Illness. She is survived by her husband Keith Berry and his children Linette and Megan; her daughter Ashly Simoes (Marco Simoes), and son Adam Maynard; her grandchildren John, Marcades, Caleb, Cintia, Teagan, and Jaxon. Her loving parents Glen and Anne Parker, her dear sisters Kathy Parker (John Garrah) and Lisa Bryson (Andy Bryson), and many nieces and nephews. She is predeceased by her two brothers Michael and Stephen. We are incredibly proud of Patti and who she was as a person—she was funny, quirky, smart, pretty and as she would love to say, “not normal”. We are so proud of everything that she accomplished in her life, especially the value that she placed on her relationships with other people. Many of you may remember her from 30 years in the service centre of the automotive industry, 20 years in the Kingston area. What you may not know about Patti is that she served four years in the Airforce as one of the first female Air Defence Technicians, something her military parents were so proud of. We do not feel that there was anything to hide about the circumstances of her death. Patti was incredibly open about her struggles with mental health and addiction. Our family wishes to thank Providence Care Hospital in Kingston, Mood Disorders centre, Dr. Cabrera and all the nurses who provided care to Patti over the many years. We would also like to thank the first responders on site Sunday, April 26 to assist whose support and caring was most appreciated. Patti wanted us to take a moment to say how important it is to talk about mental health, and remind all of you out there battling demons that you are not alone, she wanted to encourage you to keep searching for Your lifeline, something that makes You happy. Here is what she wrote: “It doesn’t matter if no one gets it but you…that’s ok! We need to Stop trying to live up to expectations that society places in front of us to make us feel Unworthy of love, beauty and success. We need to stop comparing ourselves to others. We need to stop trying to be ‘normal.’ And we need to stop being quiet about our mental Health. Asking for help does not mean your broken. And if you do not know how to ask for help that has ok too, someone will always be there for you to help a lending hand.” It is hard to lose loved ones to suicide, but we should not also lose the truth and warmth of their mystery and their memory. Patti asked that in lieu of flowers, please be kind to one another. Share your struggle, fears and joys, be present and patient in each other’s journeys. NAMASTE Have a safe journey Patti. We love you very much