The leaves are falling, another year passing taking with it a beautiful person, MaryLouise Parks, released from the grip of MS, cancer, PML and more cancer on the evening of September 17. 2026. She was under the care and compassion of the nurses at LaVerendrye Continuing Care and watched over by family when she peacefully slipped away to the arms of her saviour, Jesus.
Born March 6, 1949, in Fort Frances to Clifford and Amelia Bruyere, who predeceased her, one of 13 children raised on Couchiching First Nation, attending residential school until running away in her early teen years. Although she did not return there, she only had good memories.
After surviving her teenage years, she along with her son, Troy (who predeceased her) married Terry Parks and began a 56 year marriage. Survived by their children, TerriLynne (Daniel), James; grandchildren Dustin (bree), Mary, Jaymie (Austin), Jain, Adam, Julie; great-grandchildren Zoey, Sadie, Ember, Zeaks, Addison, Killian, Kanan, Vincent, Wrenn and Faith. Also surviving are her brothers John (Cindy), Kevin, Guy; sisters Pauline, Laura (David), Holly; nieces and nephews too numerous to mention; brothers-in-law Blair, Murray and Michael; sister-in-law Carolyn.
MaryLouise was predeceased by her mother-in-law Edna and step-father-in-law James Falconer; brothers Leslie, Russel, Glen, Keith; sisters Tina and Sharon; brothers-in-law Faron, Greg and Russ; sisters-in-law Alice, Vera and Janice; niece Kayla; nephews Nathan, Tim, Craig and Logan.
MaryLou was a great cook and baker, she enjoyed fishing the Windy Point area, hunted big game successfully. She started a home child day care upon receiving a correspondence school diploma. She was one of the founding members of the Fort Frances Native Women’s Association which resulted in the Gitchi-Nen-Dom Healing Lodge. A shelter for people in crisis in the 1990’s. She was a board member of the Ontario Native Women’s Association of Thunder Bay. She was a board member of Shooniiyaa Wa Bitong, a training and employment centre for the Treaty #3 area for a number of years.
In 2017, continuing poor health contributed to ending her 18-year part-time employment with the Kenora-Rainy River District Child and Family Services Program, a very fulfilling part of her life. MaryLou regarded her co-workers as friends.
“Nana” was her favourite title. She enjoyed every new addition to the family, she loved them all no matter what, some a little more (you know who you are).
As per her wishes, a family viewing and blessings by Father Kevin of the St. Mary’s Catholic Church was held on September 24, 2026, at 2 p.m. at Northridge Funeral Home.
Cremation to follow. Condolences and donations can be made to the Canadian Cancer Society on their website.
A graveside family service will be held at a later date.
