Donna Marie Cooke

Donna was born in 1943 in Glace Bay, NS, the daughter of Arthur and Elizabeth (Poirier) Sharpe. She is survived by her four children: Mike (Michele) Cooke of Hubbards; Darrell (Leslie) Cooke of Halifax; Laurell Cooke (Eddie Abraham) of Westmount; and Patti Cooke (Chris Warner) of Halifax. She is also survived by seven grandchildren: Jessica (Mike Gerrow), Jeremy, Charity, Andrew, Liam, Patrick and Charlotte. Donna is also survived by her brothers Gerry and David; Ken's siblings Jack, Clifford, Frank, Faye, June and Joan; special niece, Laura Lee Sharpe, and many more beloved nieces and nephews.

She was predeceased by her husband Ken; her grandson Alexander; her parents and in-laws; her sisters Beatty and Francis; and her brothers Ray, Bernie, Clifford and Wayne.

Donna and her family were long-time residents of Westmount, and later Coxheath, before moving to Halifax 17 years ago. Donna started her teaching career in Ingonish in 1961, where she met Ken. She then dedicated 32 years of her life to teaching at Robin Foote Elementary School in Westmount, where she touched the lives of countless students throughout her career. Teaching was an important part of her life, and she will be fondly remembered by former students, colleagues and families whose lives she influenced over the years.

Donna loved spending time with her family and friends. She especially enjoyed playing bingo, cards, crosswords and games of all kinds, and never missed an opportunity to share a laugh or enjoy a coffee and a chat. These simple pleasures and the time spent with those she loved brought her great happiness. Donna loved her children and grandchildren deeply, and cherished the many family gatherings they shared in Cape Breton and Halifax. She had a special fondness for cooking and baking, and took great pleasure in preparing meals, welcoming family into her home, and bringing everyone together around the table. Her home was a place of warmth, good food, and laughter, and these gatherings created many treasured memories and traditions for her family.

Donna will be remembered for her love of family, her dedication to teaching, her kindness and generosity, her gift for bringing people together, and the many happy memories she created with those fortunate enough to know her. She will be deeply missed.

Cremation has taken place. A celebration of life will take place on Friday October 16th from 6-8 pm in the common room at 234 Transom Drive, Halifax. A funeral mass will be held at Our Lady of Fatima, in Sydney River, Cape Breton on Saturday October 24th at 12:00. Reception to follow downstairs in the church hall.

In lieu of flowers, the family invites you to bake some cookies, enjoy a coffee with a friend, or play a game of cards.