Parr (nee Hodges), Brenda
May 18, 1945 to July 4, 2025
It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Brenda
Parr at Orchard View Gardens retirement home, Almonte Ontario, at age 80.
Dear daughter of George and Lilian Hodges, predeceased. Loving wife of Julian (Jay) Parr.
This obituary is their Love Story. They met on a blind date at age16. They walked on an Erie beach in late fall, they kissed! Throughout her life Brenda said Jay was the Best Kisser. “No, ‘brick kisses’.”
Brenda then left Chatham Ontario for Windsor University at the tender age of 16 and graduated in Chemistry. She was the only girl in the Chemistry department for years. At 19, as a supply teacher, Brenda taught her first high school science classes, two weeks before her 20th birthday. She was already a smart career focused woman. Jay was working in Toronto.
Later she kissed that boy on a few dates as Constable Jay Parr of the Chatham OPP detachment. Jay often tested his cruiser’s siren as he drove by Brendas parent’s country home. Sometimes he left notes under her wind-shield wiper. “3:37am all is well I’m out here. Free Tuesday Night?”
At age 25, she moved back to Windsor with her Mustang converti-ble, to teach. She told Jay he could go to university as a mature student. A year later Brenda helped Jay’s mother move him to London where he studied computer science and mathematics. Again they didn’t see each other for years.
At the age of 29, Brenda’s parents moved to London and while visiting them she went looking for ’that boy’. He had started a Master’s degree in Com-puter Science. They kissed Hello! They dated a few times. After six weeks they KNEW it was LOVE and six months later married in Windsor. This was an Arranged Elopement. Brenda arranged everything; told no one; she bought Jay a suit and shoes, as he had no money; Jay travelled to Windsor; got dressed up; and said “I Do” to Brenda’s Anglican minister and an empty church.
The Parr’s Love Story continued from age 16 and through 50 years of marriage to age 80.
Brenda was born a smart creative Career Woman. Worked until 10pm most school nights then ironed her dress for tomorrow. Always a dress.
Her love of teaching Science, Mathematics and Home Economics (her second degree) lasted 35 years. When not teaching she acted in over 40 amateur plays. Played a nun so many times she considered being one. A life long sewer and knitter. She rarely bought clothes and if she did, generally took it apart to improve it. She was a celebrated watercolour artist and art teacher. During her prolific career she sold 200 paintings. Only kept a few … “This one is for Me!”
Brenda will be remembered in most Art Societies from Ottawa, Kanata, West Carleton and Almonte. Dozens of Artist’s Tours and art shows.
Eventually, Parkinson’s Disease stopped her hands from doing what she loved. She had PD for 30 years.
Brenda and Jay wish to thank neurologist/researcher, Dr. Michael Schlossmacher of Ottawa University, for his diagnosis and long attentive care.
Jay and Vaughan (The Parr’s longest and closest friend, known as Kid Sister) wish to also thank the dozens of fourth floor staff at Orchard View for three years of friendly, compassionate, loving care to Brenda and us.
If you wish, in lieu of flowers, please donate to Dr. Schlossmacher’s life-long Parkinson’s research projects.
University of Ottawa … Parkinson’s Research Consortium
Brenda`s interment will take place near her home for over 30 years on Tuesday, July 8, 2025 at 2pm in St. Paul`s Anglican Church Cemetery in Dunrobin, Ontario.
Funeral Arrangements Entrusted To
C.R. Gamble Funeral Home
(127 Church St. Almonte, ON. 613-256-3313)
Condolences & Tributes: www.crgamble.com
