Honorary Citizen of Chipping Norton
With heavy hearts, we remember Dr. Sheila Parker, whose passing marks the end of an era in Chipping Norton. Together with her late husband, Dr. Bruce Parker, Sheila dedicated her life to the wellbeing and vitality of this town, leaving an indelible mark on the lives of countless residents.
Arriving in Chipping Norton in 1958 as a young couple, Bruce and Sheila built their lives and careers here, working tirelessly as local GPs, committed to their patients and to raising healthcare standards in our community. Sheila’s career was a testament to the values of compassion, dedication, and personal connection. She once wrote, “When one lives amongst and shops with everyone else, it’s a community.” Sheila truly embodied this belief, always there to listen, advise, and comfort her patients, especially the elderly, who found in her a trusted friend and healer.
Her work extended far beyond her role as a GP. Sheila co-founded the Highlands Day Centre, which opened in 1993 as a cherished haven for the elderly in Chipping Norton. She was deeply involved in community groups, from leading the Brownies as Brown Owl to establishing the Trefoil Guild and working with disabled Guides at Penhurst School. Sheila gave her time and heart to organisations like Inner Wheel, Town Twinning, and many other local causes.
In recognition of their lifetime of service, Bruce and Sheila were awarded Honorary Citizenship in 2008 at a heartfelt ceremony in the Town Hall, attended by friends, family, and the community they had served so well. Even in retirement, they remained active, with Sheila frequently seen at the tea counter at community events, always ready with a warm smile and helping hand.
Sheila’s life was one of service, kindness, and strength—a legacy that will live on in the community she loved so much. Her dedication to Chipping Norton was unwavering, and her impact will be felt for generations.
As we say goodbye, we do so with deep gratitude, remembering Sheila not only as a doctor but as a friend, mentor, and pillar of Chipping Norton. Our thoughts are with her family and friends, and we are certain that her spirit will continue to inspire us all.
