Marguerite SLAWTER

Mrs. Marguerite Thomas-Parent (née Slawter) April 26, 1926 - October 21, 2005 Funeral arrangements by Atlantic Funeral Home (Dartmouth) THOMAS-PARENT, Marguerite "Mamma" - 79, Dartmouth, went to sleep in the arms of her Lord and Saviour on Friday, October 21, 2005, in the New Halifax Infirmary, QEII, Halifax. Born April 26, 1926, in East Preston, she was a daughter of the late James and Inez (Crawley) Slawter. She was predeceased by first husband, James A. Thomas. She raised her large family on her own and married again after the last child was grown. Marguerite was also predeceased by son, Ervin Thomas; daughter, Valerie Thomas Hodges, and goddaughter, Velma Thomas-Kane. Marguerite was an active member of Victoria Road Baptist Church, serving as Chairperson of the Social Committee of the Ladies Auxiliary and was a member of the seniors group. She was past superintendent of the Sunday school and Chair of the Anniversary Committee and the Flower Committee. Marguerite's Christian service and journey of faith began in her first church, East Preston Baptist, where she was a founding member of the Women's Missionary Society, a member of the Ladies Auxiliary, and the Red Cross Society. She was also active within the African United Baptist Association and served on the Women's Institute. Marguerite became a role model for many when she went to night school to get her high school diploma and was always an active community volunteer, originally in East Preston and later in Dartmouth, which has been her home for the past 34 years. She was employed for a number of years as head housekeeper at the Downsview Motel in Sackville. Following her retirement from the motel, she worked as a child care provider before taking a position at Park Lane Mall for 10 years prior to her second retirement. Shortly after retiring for the second time, Marguerite went on to do volunteer work at the Victoria General Hospital, a position she continued until her illness limited her activities. An avid traveler with an adventurous spirit, Marguerite visited many countries, including Hong Kong, Japan; China, Japan, Morocco, Spain, Scotland, and England. She had also traveled extensively throughout Canada, the United States and the Caribbean, making many friends along her travels. She also enjoyed entertaining and shared her talent by catering community events and opening her home to community members and international students. Having fought a long, spirited and courageous battle with liver disease, she died peacefully on Friday. Left to cherish her memory and to follow her legacy of strength, resilience, dignity and compassion are her second husband, Gerrard Parent, Dartmouth; brother, William Slawter, East Preston; sister, Stella Bailey, Toronto; daughters, Betty Thomas, Dr. Wanda Thomas Bernard (George Bernard), Candace Thomas (Easton Dunkley), Erna (Stanley) Grant, all of Dartmouth; Roxanne Thomas, Halifax; Cynthia Thomas (A. Shaun Morris), Bermuda; sons, Barry (Sharron) Thomas, Mississauga; Blaine (Charlene) Thomas, Truro; James Calvin Thomas and Mark Thomas, Dartmouth; stepdaughters, Muriel (James) Willard, Joanne Doucette, Priscilla Zed, Linda Johnston, all of Saint John, N.B.; 19 grandchildren; 13 great-grandchildren; two great great-grandchildren, and a host of nieces, nephews, and lifelong friends. Arrangements have been entrusted to Atlantic Funeral Home, 771 Main St., Dartmouth, where the Ladies Auxiliary of Victoria Road Baptist Church will host a memorial service on Monday at 7 p.m. and where the family will share a time of reflection on Marguerite's life on Tuesday from 7-9 p.m. Funeral service will be held 2 p.m. Wednesday in First Baptist Church, 100 Ochterloney St., Dartmouth, Rev. Sherrolyn Riley officiating, assisted by Rev. Dr. D.E. Fairfax and Rev. Elias Mutale. A repast will follow in the church hall. Private family interment will take place at a later date. Family flowers only by request. Donations may be made to the Victoria Road Baptist Church, The William B. Thomas Scholarship Fund c/o East Preston Baptist Church, or the Canadian Liver Foundation, Halifax Chapter. On-line condolences may be made sent to the family by visiting: www.atlanticfuneralhomes.com