Rosanna PARRY

Rosanna Chu-Fai (Jen) Parry
April 8, 1951 – January 21, 2016
In the early afternoon of last Thursday, Rosanna, 'break of dawn' died; surrounded by the love and gratitude of her close, large earthly family. She passed into salvation, following her great- grandparents, Jim-Kow and Sue Jen, grandparents Bing and Alice Jen, her parents Wesley and Doris Jen, two older brothers who died in infancy and her younger brother, Edward Jen; her dear in-laws Rex, Kathleen and Stephen Parry. She is survived by her loving husband John, cherished daughters Esther May-Yuen (Kevin Waddell) and Ann Wu-Lai (Dr. Riley Hall); her unborn grandchild; her siblings Eva (Jim Wong), Ross Jen (Pia), Edna (Lorne Warrington), Randy Jen and Ronda (Richard Chiasson) and senior relatives, Mary Ma, Aileen and Sunny Chan, Dr. Ivan Jen and Dr. Suzanne Yip. Her family also included nieces and nephews, uncles and aunts, 'adopted' siblings; cousins of varying degrees, blood and step, in-laws and their children and grandchildren – a United Nations at the table. In 1960, Rosanna, with her mother Doris and three younger siblings Eva, Ross and Edna, came to Ponteix from Hong Kong, to join her father Wesley and grandparents, Bing and Alice. Rosanna's younger siblings Edward, Randy and Ronda were born in Ponteix. The family worked hard to turn 'Jan's Café' into a local landmark. Rosanna was the cashier, before turning ten. Her English and French rapidly improved, and her stellar school career was capped by graduation as valedictorian, and acclaim as Ponteix's 'Centennial Queen'. She went on to the U. of Saskatchewan, to earn B.A. and B.Ed. degrees. After a summer in Toronto, in 1975 she went to fly-in Weagamon Lake, of Sioux Lookout to teach. She met John while 'weathered-in' at Easter, 1976. A whirlwind courtship ensued of three dates in four months, with letters by daily mail service – started that very year! When she returned to Ponteix at the end of June, they were pledged to each other. They wed in Saskatoon on August 28th, and started married life in a 20'x21' home in Sioux Lookout. Rosanna's career as an amazing and caring teacher began in Weagamow, and continued throughout her life, culminating in Saskatoon, where she and John finally settled. Rosanna's love of photography began at the age of 15, when she received her first camera through a Hostess potato chip contest and never looked back. Through her beautiful photos, Rosanna documented their lives. Every family trip and special occasion was recorded by her amazing eye. Rosanna transitioned from teaching to become a professional photographer and began to document the lives of so many other families with such careful, loving detail. To share her love for the beauty that she captured, Rosanna joined the Saskatoon Farmer's Market and there she made so many new friends and admirers. Her beautiful smile would brighten everyone's day and her cheery greeting of "How are you, Sweetie", always bought smiles in return. Rosanna was very active in her church community wherever the family resided. She was a great supporter and promoter of local artists and musicians, as she recognized and admired the creative talents of others. In 2013, Rosanna was nominated for a YWCA Women of Distinction award for Community Building. Rosanna loved us all deeply and we will miss her greatly. The Memorial Service to celebrate Rosanna's life will be on Tuesday, January 26, 2016 at 11:00 a.m. at the Third Ave. United Church, 304 Third Avenue North. Courtesy parking is available at Park Funeral Chapel. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to a charity of your choice. To read this notice and share your memories, visit www.parkfuneral.ca "Obituaries". Arrangements entrusted to Derryl Hildebrandt, Park Funeral Chapel, 306.244.2103.