September 4, 1919 - February 9, 2012
After 92 years of life devoted to generosity, music and motherhood, Jean joined the chorus of angels on the evening of February 9 with family by her side to see her off in love and gratitude.
Jean Mary Parker was born and raised in Vancouver to former Yukoners Helen and Bert Parker, moving to Dunbar at the age of 12 with younger sisters Pauline and Liz. Music was a huge part of her life, and The Parker Sisters entertained one and all from a very young age. Jean was an active member of Knox United Church where she led CGIT groups and helped raise money for the purchase of the church organ by staging operettas. When a famous Yukoner friend offered to pay for her training as an opera singer, she declined, because all she really wanted was to be a mom. At the Sunday School Picnic, she met Arthur Clarke. They were married in 1943, and after Arthur returned from the war, they built a house on Blenheim Street where they raised Joe, Betsy, Bert, Peter and Andrew. From about 1950, they would bring their kids to Gibsons for part of each summer, staying at the cabin shared by Pauline and Liz.
Jean’s capacity for loving was so great that five children, their spouses, and her numerous grandchildren and great-grandchildren couldn’t contain it all. Both in Vancouver and in Gibsons where she and Arthur retired in 1981, she was the best possible neighbour and friend: always ready to help and comfort others with homemade bread, soup, jam, babysitting and even cash to help get through tough times. In Gibsons she shared her heart full of love and her musical gifts by singing and playing in church, the Kiwanis home, the Legion, and most importantly, several times a week at the Gibsons Parent-Tot Drop-In from its founding in 1984 until her dementia made it impossible in 2010. In 2006 she established the Jean and Arthur Clarke Endowment at the Sunshine Coast Community Foundation to continue to give love and support to others in perpetuity.
Jean spent the last couple of years of her life at Christenson Village where she was cared for expertly and loved deeply by many, some of whom had received care and love from her over the years.
There will be a memorial service to celebrate Jean’s life at Gibsons United Church on Saturday, February 25, at 1pm. From 10am that morning, the church hall will be open to all who want to drop in, sing a song, bake sourdough bread, or do crafts to help decorate the church. Gibsons Parent-Tot Drop-In will be closed that morning and families are invited to come to join in the activities at the church hall. 
In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to Jean’s endowment at www.sccfoundation.com.