Obituary of Margaret Bernice Sparkes

With great sadness but with wonderful memories, our family announces the loss of Margaret B. Sparkes. "Margie" passed on Tuesday, July 10, 2018 following palliative chemotherapy for Pancreatic Cancer at the age of 72 years. She leaves her husband of 50 years, Dr. Gerald L. Sparkes; daughter, Joanne (Dr. Murray) Holburn; son, Jeff (Kristen) Sparkes and 3 grandchildren: Jake Holburn, Hayden and Lily Jane Sparkes. She was predeceased by her brother, Dr. Noel Andrews, her mother, Effie Andrews and father, Ted Andrews of Newfoundland. Educated at Bishop Spencer College in St. John’s, NFLD, Margie then graduated with her RN from the St. John’s General Hospital. Her initial years in Public Health nursing in St. John’s was followed by Neonatal Intensive Care nursing in Halifax, supporting her husband during his training years. Moving to Rothesay in 1976, and because of her husband’s work commitments, she became a very dedicated "stay at home" Mom. Later she returned to work in her husband’s medical office until the office closed in 2008. Always active in the lives of her children and grandchildren, Margie also enjoyed "camp" time on Shamper’s Bluff and gardening. In later years, she really enjoyed almost daily tennis during the winter months in Florida, developing a wonderful social base there which she has missed greatly since being ill. As per her wishes, there will be no visitation at the funeral home. A Celebration of Her Life Reception for family and friends will be held at Shadow Lawn, Rothesay on Saturday, July 28, 2018 from 12:00 - 2:00 PM. Arrangements are under the care and direction of Brenan’s Funeral Home, 111 Paradise Row, Saint John (634-7424). In lieu of flowers, donations made to Craig’s Cause Pancreatic Cancer Society (http://www.craigscause.ca/) or to the SJRH Palliative Care Unit c/o the Saint John Regional Hospital Foundation would be appreciated by the family.