Marie Richard was many things in her life: Accomplished nurse, devoted sister to 20 siblings, beloved aunt, and generous philanthropist. Marie also lived with Parkinson\u2019s disease for almost 30 years, but that didn\u2019t define the woman she was or the life she lived.<\/p>\n
\u201cMy aunt had balance issues and walked with a gait. Her handwriting looked like scribbles. The tremors also compounded her speech impediment, and she was hard to understand at times,\u201d Melissa says. \u201cBut what she couldn\u2019t say with words she said with her eyes. They lit up the room. She never let Parkinson\u2019s get the best of her.\u201d<\/p>\n
With an attitude that Melissa calls inspiring, Marie was determined to live her best life. She worked as a nurse until her retirement in 1994. She walked everywhere, especially after Parkinson\u2019s prevented her from driving. And she never stopped dancing. \u201cShe loved participating in Zumba classes in her long-term care home,\u201d says Melissa.<\/p>\n
Marie was a devoted friend and caregiver to many. With seven younger siblings, she became known as a protector \u2013 an early attribute that carried her well into her life of service through nursing.<\/p>\n
Marie was also dedicated to helping people she\u2019d never met through charitable giving. Upon her death on October 28, 2020, at the age of 92, she had provided to charities close to her heart, including Parkinson Canada<\/p>\n
\u201cMy aunt recognized the importance of Parkinson Canada and it inspired her to give,\u201d says Melissa. \u201cShe was a big advocate for Parkinson\u2019s research. As a health professional, she knew how important it was and how it could evolve into better treatments and a better quality of life for many others.\u201d<\/p>\n
Marie also made the decision to remember Parkinson Canada in her will \u2013 a decision that didn\u2019t come as a surprise to her niece. \u201cCharities are the heart of our society. They can\u2019t deliver their vital work without our ongoing support,\u201d she says. \u201cMy aunt\u2019s last gift to Parkinson Canada is a positive legacy that will make a lasting difference for this generation and for generations to come.\u201d<\/p>\n
Like Marie, Melissa believes Parkinson research is on the cusp of discovering new and exciting treatments and even a cure. \u201cWe\u2019re on the precipice of something bigger and better,\u201d she says, \u201cDonations, including a gift in a Will, will help ensure promising research projects can come to fruition sooner, allowing people with Parkinson\u2019s to enjoy a better quality of life.\u201d<\/p>\n
For that reason, Melissa hopes caring donors like you will continue to support Parkinson Canada and consider making a gift in your Will. \u201cWhen you give, you encourage friends and family to do the same,\u201d she says. \u201cIt also gives you the opportunity to show gratitude for everything you\u2019ve been given in life.\u201d<\/p>\n
We couldn\u2019t agree more. And today, we are forever grateful to our wonderful donors, including Marie, who was a strong advocate for those living with Parkinson\u2019s. Marie\u2019s generosity and foresight will continue to have an impact for many years to come.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"