September 27, 1928 – April 15, 2026
It is with sorrow, but with gratitude for a life well-lived, the family of M. Elizabeth “Bette” Parks announce her peaceful passing on April 15, 2026. She was born on September 27, 1928, to the late William and Muriel (Craft) Boyd. She married the boy down the street, John D. Parks, on August 29, 1953, and they shared a special bond of marriage for 62 years until his passing in 2015.
She is survived by “Her Boys”, Kenney (Lynn), David (Erika), and Stephen (Kim). She was a very proud Nanny to Michael (Sarah), Mathew (Eva), Jennifer, Greg (Alicia), Scott and Andrew. Her great grandchildren, Hazel, Rowan, Millie, Addie, Olivia, Mavis and Chloe brought her much joy. She is also survived by her dear brother, George (Sherin) Boyd; much loved cousin, Patsy Wilson; close friend, Jackie Clark; and many nieces, nephews and cousins.
Besides her husband and parents, she was predeceased by her sisters, Marjorie Ross and Meta Van Malsen; grandson, Ryan Parks; and dear friends, Joan Moffatt, Francena Hubbard and Patricia Gleeson.
Mom and Dad were hardworking entrepreneurs, owning and operating Lancaster Florists and Westside Nursery. It was in the greenhouse, which was behind the family home on City Line of West Saint John, where her passion for gardening excelled. She was also an active member of St. Georges Church, a part of the ladies’ guild, and a Sunday School Teacher. There weren’t many Church Suppers where her leadership was not imposed. Her leadership roles also extended to IODE and she rose to the role of Provincial President, which she embraced passionately.
After her sons were grown, travel became a thrill. She travelled the world, with a very short list of the countries she did not visit. Her travel continued until a time in her nineties and then she walked on the Great Wall of China, where she was frequently mistaken as Queen Elizabeth II.
Arrangements are entrusted to Castle Funeral Home, 309 Lancaster Avenue (506-634-1701) where visitation will be held on Tuesday from 4-8 pm. A funeral service will be held from the Castle Funeral Home Chapel on Wednesday, April 22, 2026, at 10am with interment to follow in Cedar Hill Extension Cemetery, where she will rejoin her love, John. For those who wish, memorial donations in her memory to the charity of the donor’s choice would be appreciated by her family.
