Mary Katherine Parker

Passed away peacefully, with family at her side, on Tuesday, September 30, 2025, at Peterborough Regional Health Centre at the age of 71. Beloved wife and adventurer to Martin Parker for 44 years. Loving mother of Melanie Parker of Yellowknife, NWT, Michael Parker (Jessica) of London, ON, Alex Parker (Rachel) of Belleville, ON and Andrew Parker of London, ON. Proud grandmother of Annie, Thomas, Samantha, Hunter, Amelia, Charlemagne and Claire. Dear sister of John Rettie (Lori) of Norwich, ON, and James Rettie (Michelle) of Kingston, ON, and a close cousin of Lahring Tribe and Jeff Tribe (Diane). Kathy will also be missed by the many friends who have shared in nature adventures with her and Martin over the years.

Kathy’s greatest passion was her time as a zookeeper for the Metro Toronto Zoo, where she raised four orphan Polar Bear cubs along with other animals. Kathy was the coordinator of the FON (Ontario Nature) Membership Programme for approximately 15 years, organizing up to 150 days, weekend and longer nature trips around the province annually. For a decade, Kathy was the Director of the FON Adult Natural History Camp on the Bruce Peninsula. Kathy was the founding coordinator of the Huron Fringe Birding Festival. Kathy finished her working career as a Personal Support Worker for challenged adults.

Over the years, she and Martin have led and participated in birding and nature tours around the province and the world. Kathy received several awards for her dedication to nature and eco-tourism. Visitation will be held at Comstock-Kaye Life Celebration Centre, 356 Rubidge St., Peterborough on Monday, October 13th, from 2:00 – 4:00 p.m. & 7:00 – 9:00 p.m. and on Tuesday, October 14th from 1:00 – 2:00 p.m., followed by a Funeral Service in the chapel. Cremation to follow. In Kathy’s memory, a donation to the Peterborough Field Naturalists (PFN) – Legacy Fund or the Ontario Turtle Conservation Centre would be greatly appreciated. Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be made at www.ComstockKaye.com