Velda Lorraine Cook

It is with heavy hearts, we announce the passing of a loving and cherished mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, sister, aunt, and friend. Velda passed away on Tuesday, Oct. 18, 2016 in the Dartmouth General Hospital, Dartmouth following a brief illness.

Born in Glace Bay, she was the daughter of the late Donald John and Ruth (MacLennan) MacDonald, both of Glace Bay. As was common of her generation, Velda left the workforce early to devote her time and energy to her family. Following the death of her husband, Velda returned home to Mira. In the last year of her life, Velda had resolved to “enjoy the time she had left” and started taking road trips to see more of her beautiful province. She had taken great pleasure in spending time with visiting family and was especially fond of niece Laurie St. Jean and grand-niece Jamie Dawn Aldridge, both of Ontario. An avid reader who instilled a love of knowledge and learning in her children, Velda embraced new challenges and had learned to use the internet to stay up-to-date with her grandson and great grandson, whom she adored.

Velda is survived by her sons, Daniel, Mira, Angus (Patricia), New Waterford, and Roy, British Columbia; daughter Heather MacLennan, Dartmouth; sisters, Marilyn Bajur, Ontario, Gwen (Lester) Turner, Mira; brothers, Fred (Pat), Ian (Donna), Donald (Hazel), all of Ontario; grandchildren, Amanda Gadd, Bedford, and Jordan Decost, Ontario; and great-grandson, Connor Decost, Ontario. She will also be missed by her numerous nieces, and nephews.

Besides her parents, she was also predeceased by husband Thomas Cook, brothers Edwin, David, Roger, Lorne, and Gary, sister Athalie and a special aunt Olive MacLennan.

Honouring Velda's wishes, cremation has taken place. An internment service and celebration of her life will take place in Cape Breton in August 2017.

Memorial donations in Velda's memory may be made to the palliative care unit of the Cape Breton Regional Hospital. Online condolences may be viewed or sent to: www.mattatallfuneralhome.com