![]() ![]() ![]() Hilary Young, an associate professor of law at the University of New Brunswick, said one area where Parker's death may remain significant is in the discussion of whether lawmakers will have to make distinctions between diseases in terms of when advance directives are permitted. We've been Audreyed and we're the better for it," she said. "Look at this room and look at how many people she has literally touched. Hundreds stood up when asked by MacLeod if they'd received advice on style, wardrobe or life from Parker. "She could transform you from a puffy mess. Norma Lee MacLeod, a retired broadcaster, said encounters with the dynamic Parker were often unforgettable - as she tended to sweep forcefully into a room and had the knack of making people feel good about themselves. Parker was given a lethal injection and died peacefully in her Halifax apartment. The issue will be among those considered in a report being drafted by a panel of experts, which is due by the end of the year but is not expected to make recommendations. Justice Minister Jody Wilson-Raybould has said Ottawa feels the two-year-old legislation strikes the appropriate balance between the protection of people's autonomy and safeguards for vulnerable people. She used her case to plead with lawmakers, stressing the law had to be changed because it demands people approved for a medically assisted death must be conscious and mentally sound at the moment they grant their final consent for a lethal injection.įederal cabinet ministers have said they feel strong sympathy towards Parker and her family, but they remain confident in the federal legislation. 1, but said under amended legislation she might have lived for weeks longer.ĭiagnosed with Stage 4 breast cancer in 2016, the 57-year-old woman had been approved for an assisted death. Parker ended her life with a doctor's assistance on Nov. "Everything about Audrey was swirling perfection." "I know she has a huge smile on her face right now about the gorgeous women ΓǪ who showed up today," said Regan. "People are inspired by her thoughts about living your best life to the end," she said in an interview.Įvery detail of the gathering was planned by Parker, said master of ceremonies Nancy Regan, recalling how they talked about it over champagne and chocolate-dipped strawberries at a meeting at Pier 21. Kim King, 51, a close friend of Parker's who was with her as she was dying, was one of the honorary pallbearers who carried a candle up to the front of the Pier 21 hall where the ceremony was held. "I really wish we had her with us this Christmas, but there we go," said MacMaster. Her step-daughter Lucie MacMaster said times spent with her were precious, recalling how her children would often hop into bed to play cards with Parker during her illness. Many had sat around what Parker referred to as her "bed of truth," where she dispensed advice during her final months, instructing visitors on everything from how to use cutlery through essentials on how to choose a suitable mate. Her circle of close female friends in attendance ranged from the Nova Scotia premier's principal secretary, the president of Credit Union Atlantic and nationally known broadcasters. The gathering at the hall overlooking the harbour included family members, friends and people from the general public who'd been touched by her struggle. HALIFAX - Hundreds of people gathered Friday afternoon to remember a terminally ill Halifax woman whose fight to loosen assisted dying laws captured national attention as she dispensed wisdom about life from the "bed of truth" where she spent her last days.Ī "celebration of life" was held for Audrey Parker at Pier 21 on the city's waterfront, with more than 300 people in attendance to pay their respects to the charismatic make-up artist. ![]()
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