Audrey Parker, 90

Meet Audrey Parker, who is 90 years young from Uxbridge, Ontario, who has long dreamed of exploring the East Coast, specifically Nova Scotia. This dream, held close to her heart for decades, was recently realized in a meaningful way.

Her early life was marked by hardship—growing up with mustard sandwiches and an unsettling home environment. Yet ballet became her sanctuary. At just 11 years old, she walked into a local dance studio that she admired and convinced the owner to let her join classes in exchange for cleaning the studio. The owner not only agreed to this arrangement, but took Audrey under her wing, providing her with ballet shoes and creating a safe space where Audrey could find joy and escape from her troubles. In her own words, ballet is what saved her. Audrey danced every day and had eventually become the ballerina at the Toronto Ballet School.

Audrey's life has been characterized by hard work and sacrifice. Despite the challenges, she often reflects on the strength she drew from her early years.

Now, at 90, Audrey's journey to Nova Scotia was the fulfillment of a long held dream. She has never been east to see the Atlantic Ocean, and her desire to visit was further fuelled by her wish to attend the 100th anniversary of the Royal Canadian Air Force at the Royal Nova Scotia International Tattoo. This event is particularly meaningful to her because her family served in the Air Force, and her late husband was a judge for drumming competitions.

Additionally, during her visit, Audrey was honoured at Chalice, headquartered in Bedford, NS, where she sponsored 10 children over the past two decades.

What Audrey once thought might never come true has now become a cherished reality, letting her experience the aspects of Nova Scotia she always hoped to and fulfill a dream she has held close for a very long time.

Photography – Kelsi Captures

Special Thanks – Royal Nova Scotia International Tattoo , Sutton Place Hotel Halifax , Enterprise