Obituary of Willa Rachel Parent

September 14, 1946 - May 2, 2025

With heavy hearts and deep love, we share the passing of Willa Parent.

Willa was the cherished daughter of Marjorie and Maxwell Aevis and was born at St. John General Hospital.  She grew up on the West Side of the city, beginning her education at Seawood Elementary, continuing on to Beaconsfield Junior High, and later attending St. John Vocational High School, where she majored in blueprint and technical drafting.  Willa went on to work as a draftswoman with NBTel.  She was well known later, for her work at Cards and Things in Lancaster Mall, where she proudly grew to know many of the residents of the West Side Community. 

Faith was central to Willa’s life.  She was a devoted member of the Anglican Parish of Lancaster, Church of the Good Shepherd, where she served faithfully at the altar and sang in the youth choir.  Her commitment to her faith deeply influenced those around her and continues to be a guiding light in the hearts she touched.

In 1969, Willa married the love of her life, Joseph Edmund Irene, after being introduced through her cousin Faye.  Together, they built a life filled with love, family, and compassion.

Willa is lovingly remembered by her son, Stephen Parent; her granddaughters, Shaniah, Mariah, and Kendra; and her great-grandchildren, Hayden Whipple, Henry Bettle, and soon-to-arrive Bentley Parent.  She will also be dearly missed by her nephews, cousins, and extended family. 

In her final years, Willa resided at McLay's Oak Bay Haven in Oak Bay, New Brunswick, where she found joy in her surroundings and remained an enthusiastic bingo player, always bringing a smile to those around her. 

Willa had a deep love for animals, a passion she shared with her husband.  Over the years, they adopted and cared for many dogs, each of whom received unconditional love and the happiest of lives.

To honour Willa’s memory and her love for animals, donations may be made to the Saint John SPCA Animal Rescue.

She will be missed beyond words and remembered with enduring love.

A private graveside service will take place in the Church of the Good Shepherd Cemetery.  Arrangements are under the care and direction of Brenan’s Funeral Home, 111 Paradise Row, Saint John (506-634-7424).