Obituary of Pearl Emma Parniak

Passed away peacefully with her family by her side at the FJ Davey Home on Wednesday, March 4, 2026 at the age of 94. She is now reunited with her beloved husband Steven Parniak. Survived by her children; Stephanie McCauley (Robbie), David Parniak (Mary Ellen), Kevin Parniak (Debbie), Sherry Holtom (Harold), Cathy Mitchell (late Kenny), and Daron Parniak (Arla). Gramma of 10 and predeceased by one grandson. Great Gramma of 13. Predeceased by her parents Kathleen and Fred Ulrich and her brother Grant Ulrich. Survived by her many nieces, nephews, and close friends.

Pearl loved and always talked fondly of her very caring staff on Birch 1.  She would often describe them as just like family who catered to her every need. And then she would jokingly say “I’ve got them wrapped around her finger. lol”. Staff soon came to know that before they brought Pearl out of her room, they would hand her mirror and lipstick to her so she could “put her lips on” as she would say.  Everybody knew Pearl did not go out anywhere without her “lips on”. Pearl was known by all for her quick wit and feistiness and never backed down from a good argument or to quickly stand up for herself.  

Pearl was raised on a farm near South River, Ontario and was no stranger to long days of hard work.  At age 18 she ventured away from the farm and all her farm chores and sadly said goodbye to her favorite work horses Bud and Babe who she fondly talked of.  This new journey took her to cook in a bush camp north of Sault Ste. Marie.  On weekends she would go to McCauleys Hotel where she eventually met the love of her life and soon to be husband, Steve.  They soon started a family of 6 children, and she dedicated her life to raising and looking after her family. Once all 6 children were in school, she started her 25-year career as a cook at McCauleys Hotel, Harmony Beach Hotel and The Zone Restaurant. She was well known for her expertise at making home made soup, perogies, cabbage rolls, baked beans and fresh home-made buns which were served alongside delicious fresh fish dinners. Pearl retired from this career and was able to enjoy the good life for a few years with her husband.  After Steve passed away, she moved to an apartment at the Finnish Rest Home in Sault Ste Marie. Almost 20 years later, she moved to the FJ Davey Home for nearly four years. The past couple months Pearl told her kids that she was “sticking around to celebrated her 94th birthday on Saturday,  February 28” and that she was going to “check out after that.’’ We had our doubts as to how you would be able to make that call but as always, you did what you said and you did it your way.  

So mom, we know and accept that it was your wish to go but it did not make saying goodbye to you any easier. Our hearts are broken but we will follow in your footsteps and be strong and carry on the best we can.  You have certainly left a huge void in our lives. We hope heaven is “PERFECT” and everything is “HUNKY DORY”, your favorite words and hopefully heaven has a big freezer full of ice cream drumsticks that you always loved and enjoyed anytime we could get you to the Tuck shop at the Davey Home. 

Till we meet again “Toodaloo” and Rest In Peace Mom

To honour Pearl's wish, no service will be held. In lieu of flowers memorial donations to the Goulais River Fire and Rescue or the charity of your choice would be greatly appreciated by the family. A special thank you to staff at the FJ Davey Home, especially those on Birch 1. Arrangements entrusted to Northwood Funeral Home Cremation and Reception Centre (942 Great Northern Road, 705-945-7758).