PARKER, Joan Elizabeth - 84, 77 Gorge Rd, Protem Health Care Services, Moncton, NB, died May 16, 2012, at home. Born in Bass River, NS, she was the daughter of the late William and Elizabeth Stewart (Smith) Anderson.

A graduate of Mount Allison University she earned her licentiate in Music (Class of '48).  Throughout her music career she taught piano, voice, and theory, and during the 17 years that she and her family resided in Sarnia ON, she was organist and choir director at Parker Street United Church and then Central United Church, a member of the Tudor Singers madrigal group and the Polymer Glee Club, and provided piano accompaniment for various musical productions.  She was also a member of the IODE and the Ontario Registered Music Teachers' Association.  After returning to Nova Scotia, she served as choral director for the St. Cecelia Singers and on the executive of the Nova Scotia Choral Federation.  After retiring to Wolfville, NS with her husband, Dick, she maintained her activity in musical endeavors as a member of the King's Chorale and the Acadia Choral Society.

Predeceased by her beloved husband of 46 years, Richard Boynton Parker, her sister Jean Agnes Faulkner, brother-in-law Guy Faulkner, and sister-in-law Joan (Knight) Parker, she is survived by daughters Susan Elizabeth (Ken) Templeton , St. John's, NL, Mary Christine Parker, Sackville, NB, son David Richard (Joanna) Parker, West Vancouver, BC, grandchildren Michael (Jessica) Templeton, Alex (Vanessa) Templeton, Karen (Jason) Froude, Robyn (John) MacEachern, Mairi Chantal (Adam) Setchell, Nicole and Megan Parker, great grandchildren John Charles and Mary Elizabeth MacEachern, brother William (Alice) Anderson, brother-in-law Ira Parker, several nieces and nephews.

Arrangements are under the care and supervision of Jones Funeral Home, 70 Bridge Street, Sackvile, NB (506-364-1300).  No visitation by request.  A celebration of Betty's life will be held at the Mount Allison University Chapel, Sackville, NB on Tuesday, May 22, at 11:00 a.m. with reception to follow.

Private interment will be in Pine Grove Cemetery, Middleton, NS, arrangements by Warren T. Roop Funeral Home.  In lieu of flowers, donations to the Alzheimer's Society, Canadian Cancer Society, or favourite charity would be appreciated.  

Heartfelt thanks from Betty's family is extended to the wonderful caring staff at Elizabeth Towers, Assisted Living, St John's, NL, and Protem Health Care Services, 77 Gorge Rd, Moncton, NB.