February 20, 1933 – October 2, 2026
PARKS – Elizabeth (Liz) Illingworth Parks (Hamilton) passed away peacefully on October 2, 2026, in Pasqua Palliative Care, Regina, SK surrounded by family, following a short illness. Elizabeth was born on February 20, 1933 at Semans, Saskatchewan to parents, the late William and Elizabeth Hamilton. Elizabeth, known to her family and extended Hamilton clan as Bess (Aunt Bess), was raised on the family farm, alongside five older brothers.
Elizabeth attended Alexandra School in Semans. She went on to attend “Normal School” in Saskatoon graduating in 1951 as a teacher. She taught in rural schools in Saskatchewan for the next few years. In 1959 she took a position at Craik. In 1961, she married Allan Parks, a widower with a young son Larry, and they took up residence in a new home he had built in Craik.
Elizabeth retired from teaching in 1962 to help on the family grain farm. Elizabeth grew a very large garden on the farm and was known among the nephews/nieces for her large raspberry patch that if they came to visit in season, were called upon to join in the picking. She loved flowers and gardening, trimming her yard until she moved into Regina. She always had an abundance of tomatoes and was so happy to be able to supply to friends, neighbors and family!
Elizabeth belonged to and took pride in her membership with the Craik United Church board, Eastern Star, the Craik United Church choir, and one very dear to her and Allan’s heart, the Craik & District Regional Park. Elizabeth was also a staunch supporter of the Eco Village and it’s Straw Bale Restaurant in Craik, and the expansion of the local Craik and District Golf Course.
Elizabeth was known for always having an open door or an extra plate around the table and she never wanted you to leave hungry. She made the best tarts and pies, and her special Saskatoon berry one was reserved for favorite family when they visited.
Elizabeth loved to knit and many family members as well as others, benefited from her hard working hands. She made countless baby outfits and sweaters. In more recent years, she joined Angels 4 Warmth, in Craik where they made baby quilts to deliver to newborns in city hospitals.
Elizabeth’s family were so very important to her. The ten grandchildren were her absolute pride and joy. She spent much time on roads around Saskatchewan and Alberta travelling to see them in their various activities; swimming, hockey, soccer, volleyball or basketball, concerts and graduations. She kept track of their accomplishments or their leisure activities and when they were gainfully employed, she was always asking if they were happy and liked what they were doing. It was of key importance to her always, to be sure they were enjoying life.
Elizabeth liked watching the Toronto Blue Jays and the Saskatchewean Roughriders but especially enjoyed all Championship level curling, some of which she attended in person.
Elizabeth moved to College Park 2 care home in Regina, in 2020. She loved College Park 2 and was well known for her quick wit and humor among staff and her beautiful strong voice at their singalongs.
Elizabeth was pre-deceased by her husband Allan, all of his siblings and their spouses, four of her brothers and all spouses and is survived by brother Gavin. She was a loving, caring, dedicated Mother, is survived by and dearly missed by her loving children; Larry (Enid) of Regina, Eileen (Lyle) Morley of Regina, Margaret (Dave) Floch of Warman, and James of Calgary, AB.
Elizabeth leaves behind ten beautiful grandchildren of whom she was most proud and will be sadly missed; Cheryl Parks, Collette (Amanda) Parks, Kevin Parks; Kiersten (Brett) Cottrill, Quinton (Quinn Anderson) Morley, Connor Morley; Keagan Floch, Kieran (Kianna Lang) Floch; and Brighton (Sara) Parks and Brock Parks.
The family would like to extend many thanks to the staff at College Park 2 Retirement Residence in Regina, for their considerate care, love and laughter shared with “Liz” during her almost seven years in their residence.
The family also thanks the many doctors and nurses who assisted Mom at College Park 2 and the Pasqua Hospital right through her final days.
A celebration of Elizabeth’s life was held in the Craik Community Hall on Saturday, October 17, at 2:00 p.m. Interment followed in the family plot at Craik Cemetery with lunch at the Craik Community Hall.
Hanson’s Funeral Home in Davidson in charge of arrangements.
For those so wishing, memorial donations in memory of Elizabeth may be directed to;
the Craik & District Regional Park or the Alzheimer Society of Saskatchewan Inc.
