Parro, Carlen (nee Post)

It is with tremendous sadness that the family of Carlen Parro (nee Post) must announce her sudden passing on May 26, 2024, at the age of 78 in her home in Sudbury, Ontario. She was the only child to Effie Reynolds, predeceased.   Carlen leaves behind a trail of love in her wake. She cherished her 3 children starting with her only son Jayme (Marilyn) her devoted daughter Dena (Chris) and her youngest, Angela (her favourite).  She was loved fiercely and known as Gramma by Jory, Nicolas, Sophia and Jude. Her great grandchildren, Owen, Ostin, Olivia, Hannah and Benji loved and adored her and were fortunate to have been able to enjoy her spirit and energy. Her family was her life. Pride and joy emanated from her when she shared photos and stories of her grandkids as she bragged about their accomplishments. She was so proud of each one of them.  

A Tribute... 

Carlen was raised by a single parent during an era where single mothers had many struggles. She was often left to take care of herself while her mother worked to support them, and often spent time with her aunts, uncles and cousins. Her cousin Rodney and her were like brother and sister and her cousin Gwen was her lifeline. Gwen and Carlen spoke almost every day and had a foreverness that no words can convey. 

Carlen was married to Aberdeen Parro, predeceased almost exactly 2 years prior to Carlens passing. They were married, divorced, and they maintained a “complicated” relationship for many years, yet in the final stages of his life, she was there by his side till the end. This was a “great comfort” for him. 

She had a beautiful group of close girlfriends she loved to spend time with when her kids were younger, Jodie, Delores, Lorraine and Linda to name a few. In later years, she would often say, she could pick up the phone anytime to call Dee or Jodie and they would carry on like no time had passed. True friends, lifetime friends, forever friends. 

Carlen was fiercely loyal and worked hard her entire life. Her career as a Pitchmen started Circa 1972 and she was a natural!  She paved the way for so many. On the road she was often referred to as everyone's "On the Road Mom" she travelled across Canada and later the USA with her "On the Road wives" first Norma Weir in her early career and later Karen Pirie. They were a team and rarely did you see one without the other. Her tenure as a Pitchmen was a whole life in itself where she was part complex group of people that became family. Too many dear friends to name them all.  

She had always known that she had siblings out there somewhere from her estranged father and she spent her life searching and hoping to find them. Father, Gerald Maxwell Post (Mary) predeceased, Siblings, Bill (Kay), Peggy, predeceased, Leo (stepbrother) predeceased, Tom, predeceased, and her sister Sharon. Grandparents, William and Eleanor Post, predeceased. Carlen has begun her journey to meet her long lost family, who will welcome her deeply.  

On September 13, 2023, Carlen filled the void in her life when she finally found her sister Sharon. They met and instantly connected. Her connection with Sharon gave her so much happiness and joy. They spoke every day, either on the phone or via video messenger from that day on. A lifetime bond was forged in such a brief timespan...exactly 36 weeks and 4 days together. 

In October she was thrilled to be part of a surprise for her cherished friend Norma, to help celebrate her birthday along with some of her favorites, Larry, Bobby King (Diana), Karen and of course "her Liana".  

Recently, she was troubled by the loss of so many dear friends-one after the other. However, the funerals and celebrations of life gave her one last chance to connect with some of the people that she grew up with, people that she had known for decades. Lifelong friends including Harold Cardwell, Donna Zambri, Margret-Anne, Gloria and she glowed with happiness as they told stories of their youth. To know her, was to love her...and once you were her friend, it was for lifetime.   

At the end and with great compassion and love so many of her family, lifelong friends and pitch family from her years with Rundle Sales, Ocean Sales and IHI reached out to her in her final hours to bid her farewell. 

Carlen was called many things in her time here on earth. Let there be no mistake, her title of Mom, Mommy, Ma, Gramma, Mommazita, Daughter, Sister, Friend, Auntie Carlen, Cousin, Partner, Lover, Wife, Carly, Carlina, Carlen will live in our memories and hearts forever. 

 A Celebration of Life to be held late summer or early fall. 

Until we meet again, See you down the road!