Bernadette Marguerite Cochlin

Bernadette Marguerite Cochlin (Pfau) passed away September 29, 2024, at the Langley Hospital at the age of 97 years. Bernie was the last of her generation of the Cochlin family to move on. Bernie is predeceased by her husband Robert Leo Cochlin. She is survived by her three children, Joseph (Jennifer), Ashu (Vandan) and William (Teresa), grandchildren Ryan, Benjamin, Cara and Kyle and great granddaughter Emi.

Bernie, as she was known to her friends, was born June 28, 1927 in Fernie, B.C. to Andreas and Elizabeth Pfau. She was a victim of the depression, an economic orphan, placed into care at the age of 2, where she remained until the age of 18. Bernie then took her teacher training and taught school for 4 years on the island and in the Fraser Valley. In 1951, she left the teaching profession to marry Robert Cochlin.

Bernie was a devoted mother to her three children and insisted on being a stay at home mom. In the mid 70's, Bernie began working at the Bay where she stayed until her retirement in 1992. She later moved to Langley where she lived for 24 years until the time of her passing.

Bernie was a very giving person. While she lived in Vancouver, she helped several new immigrant families get a start in a new country. In her later years, she could be seen stopping on the street to visit with parents and young children, with whom she warmly interacted. There was always time for a friendly word to the staff in the local stores who knew her by name.

Her children remember her as having a great sense of fun. She loved to sing along with the radio and knew the words to all the popular songs. She instilled a love of music in her children. Bernie was a generous and thoughtful person who never missed sending a birthday greeting, right up to the end when she kept a handwritten list of the dates beside the phone, so she wouldn't forget.

Although Bernie had a difficult start in life, she overcame many personal obstacles and lived a full life as a caring mother and helpful friend to those in need. She always kept her engagement in and enjoyment of the small everyday events of her life. She is much loved and will be greatly missed by her family.