Obituary of Mildred Jean Sparling

Mildred Jean (Christie) Sparling | 1926-2016 Born in Culross Township, Ontario. Loving wife. Devoted mother. Trusted friend. Early this morning, May 26, 2016, Mildred "Pat" Sparling passed away peacefully and surrounded by family and Rev. Gary Clark, at her home in Blyth, Ontario. She was 89 years old. Mildred enjoyed growing up on the family farm near Teeswater. Open spaces. The cattle and the chickens. Watching thunderstorms from the verandah. Walking to school. Like most children on her line, she was unaware of the destructive impact of the Great Depression, because everyone seemed to be sharing the same experiences. And if someone needed help, neighbours pitched in – a clear, uncomplicated sense of personal and mutual responsibility and caring for others that would define Mildred's outlook on community for a lifetime. Mildred loved her parents, her two brothers and one sister. Family, friends, faith and simple homemade fun were central to everything. From highland dancing to high school basketball, Mildred enjoyed life. She was a quiet competitor who had her heart set on becoming a high school English teacher, but realities of the time did not permit higher education. So, Mildred went to work at the Bank of Commerce, a journey that took her to the village of Blyth where she met Grant Sparling. In 1959, Grant and Mildred were married and in unique fashion rode in a fire truck for their wedding procession. This was the beginning of a beautiful 56-year relationship. Grant was building a business and Mildred was the strong woman beside the strong man. Together, they were clear in their support for their family and in their resolve to manage the challenges of owning and operating a business. Along the way, Mildred was active at Blyth United Church, Clinton Public Hospital, her beloved Bridge Club, and she and Grant were proud supporters of the Blyth Festival from day one. Mildred enjoyed the flowers in her garden, tea at any time and visits on the verandah. She was a thoughtful note writer, a voracious reader, was always ready to discuss current events and with Grant, enjoyed traveling, from coast to coast to coast. Quietly faithful, Mildred found comfort in scripture and her favourite was Ecclesiastes 3, verses 1-9: (1) For everything there is a season, and a time for every matter under heaven... Mildred quoted it often and it's how she lived her life: grounded in faith and clear in her understanding that life is a short and beautiful gift. Perhaps it is why she did so much to quietly help so many as she lived every moment of every day of her 89 years. Mildred was equally clear in a letter to her family, prepared February 16, 2016, and opened after her passing. She concluded the letter with, "Love me, but let me go. To everything there is a season and my winter is nearly over. Love one another. Be good to each other. Love you forever, Mom." Mildred is predeceased by her husband, Grant. She is survived by children, Jim of Auburn, Washington, and Jayne, Steven (Laurie) and David (Annie) all of Blyth, seven grandchildren, and one sister, Dorothy Shouldice, of Owen Sound. Visitation Monday, May 29, 2016, 2pm-4pm at Blyth United Church, 442 Mill Street, Blyth, Ontario and funeral service from the church, Tuesday at 1pm. Internment, Blyth Union Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to The Heart and Stroke Foundation of Canada or Blyth United Church.