Tribute

Zillah Ann Parker passed away peacefully on Salt Spring Island on September 19, 2022, surrounded in love by her three daughters, Sarah, Alice, and Helen, and her grandson, Josh.

Zillah’s beloved husband, John, passed away just four months ago, after 62 years of marriage. They had a strong and happy partnership, sharing their love unstintingly with Sarah, Alice, and Helen.

Zillah was born in 1937 in East Sussex, England, to Phoebe and Eric “Rusty” Russell. Through Zillah’s early childhood, Phoebe worked in a factory while Eric was a member of the merchant marines. Because of these circumstances, Zillah was sent to a convent, where the nuns kept her safe throughout World War II.

An excellent student, Zillah attended Fosse Bank school on scholarship. Two of her lifelong friends, Bish and Ann, came from her time at school. After graduation, Zillah attended St Bartholomew’s Hospital Medical College, completing her training in 1960. While at Bart’s, she met John, who was her lab partner.

In January 1967, Zillah and John moved to Prince Albert, Saskatchewan, and then on to Saskatoon in 1970. It was in Saskatchewan that they raised their three daughters. The family was soon joined in Saskatchewan by Zillah’s parents, Phoebe and Rusty, who helped to care for the girls while Zillah completed her residency in psychiatry.

Zillah and John took immense pleasure in life on their acreage outside of Saskatoon. They raised a lovely garden there, including the many flower beds that Zillah enjoyed so much. As well, they were exceptionally kind and welcoming to their many friends, including their daughters’ friends. To visit the Parker home was to enjoy true hospitality, including excellent company and abundant delicious food. Countless friends looked forward to the Parkers’ boxing day open house each year.

Highlights of the Parker family’s winters were ski trips, and summers were spent on family sailing adventures off the coast of British Columbia.

Zillah worked in Psychiatry in Saskatoon, including at the Student Health Services, MacNeill Clinic and Saskatoon Youth Services, a program in the University of Saskatchewan faculty of medicine which she helped to develop and later directed. She also was involved in training residents and had an academic appointment in the Department of Psychiatry. In 1994, Zillah moved to Victoria, where she was the Psychiatry Chief of Staff at Ledger House within the Queen Alexandra Centre, where she was responsible for the services Ledger house provided to Vancouver Island Mental Health. Here, she created a cohesive team. As with everything in her life, she brought compassion and wonderful common sense to her roles in her work.

Meanwhile, John built a lovely home for them on Salt Spring Island, where they spent their retirement years, and continued to enjoy the company of their family and many friends. Many old friends were reconnected with and many new dear friends were made in the warm community of Salt Spring Island. Zillah continued playing tennis, a game she had played with enthusiasm all her life. She also volunteered with many groups on Salt Spring, including Meals on Wheels, the tennis club, and the Canadian Federation of University Women.

Zillah is survived by Sarah, Alice, and Helen, and Sarah’s husband, Scott, and their son, Josh (Alicia).