It is with sadness that the family of the late Melinda Mary Sparkes announces her passing surrounded by her loving family at the Dr. Hugh Twomey Heath Care Centre, Botwood, NL, aged 87 years.

Melinda was born in Joe Batts Arm, NL and moved to Norris Arm North, NL at the age of one where she resided until moving to Botwood, NL in 1959.  While there she met and married Son Sparkes and remained until her passing.

Melinda leaves to mourn with fond and loving memories, her daughters, Gloria (Steven), & Brenda (Gary); grandchildren, Chelsea (Nathan), Travis (Kristen); great-grandchildren, Eloise and Jensen - her pride and joy; sisters, Joan & Marlene (Vince); brother, Wilson (Gloria); sisters-in-law, Diana & June; brother-in-law, Neville (Irene) residing in Ottawa; as well as a large circle of nieces, nephews, and special friends.

Melinda is predeceased by her husband, Oscar (Son); parents, Eli & Nina; brothers, Eric, Willis; sister, Ruby; nephews, Lorne Marshall, & David Beaton; niece, Phyllis Taylor; brother-in-law, Enos Beaton.

Melinda worked as a Laboratory Technician for 35 years retiring in 1990. She took great pride in her chosen career and wasn't long sharing with everyone her work life accomplishments.

All through her life, Melinda was known for her knitting, crocheting, baking, picking berries, making jam and numerous other activities. If anyone in town needed a dozen cookies, a bottle of jam or even a gallon of berries, they knew who to call.

Following her retirement she spent many winters in Florida. Through the years she was active member of the Dr. Hugh Twomey Health Care Center Auxiliary as Convener of the gift shop, Trinity United Church congregation and Women's Emanuel Unit, serving the Church Board, Good Will Centre, School Breakfast Program, Red Cross Volunteer, Campaigning door to door for various causes, sitting on The Salvation Army Kettle, she was also called upon to help out with Flu Shot Clinic.

We would like to thank the staff of Killick Retirement Home, Botwood for their care and compassion given to mom during her 2 year stay.

From time to time she would be seen on the Big Bike Ride for the Heart and Stroke Foundation and had the tee shirts for each ride!

Melinda will be sadly missed by her family and friends too numerous to mention.

The public visitation will take place Friday, February 23, 2024 at 2-4 pm & 7-9 pm from Botwood Funeral Home, 147 Commonwealth Drive, Botwood, NL.

The funeral service will take place Saturday, February 24, 2024 at 2 pm from Trinity United Church, 17 Church Street, Botwood, NL. The funeral service will be live streamed from Trinity United, Botwood Facebook page. Click here

The interment will follow at the Botwood Community Cemetery, Botwood, NL.

As expressions of sympathy, donations in her memory may be made to the Trinity United Church Memorial Fund.

Funeral arrangements have been entrusted to Botwood Funeral Home, 147 Commonwealth Drive, Botwood, NL.