Sydney
Sydney lost a leader, champion and advocate, sister, wife, mother and Nana. Cheryl AuCoin passed away early Wednesday morning, March 20, 2018.
“Hey Sisters!”, the common cry of Cheryl as she fought ferociously for her community, was a greeting heard across Sydney.
Cheryl was a fearless trade unionist, activist and feminist who worked tirelessly for her community and various causes she felt passionately about.
Cheryl was a supervisor at Citizenship Canada. She was an active member of Women Now, the precursor to Women Unlimited. Cheryl was the first president of Women Unlimited and held the position for many years. She led the Steering Committee that formed the Woman’s Centre and instigated and organized countless employment projects for women in her community. Cheryl was the national Vice President in the Public Service of Canada. Cheryl was the first recipient of the Tom Miller CBRM Human Rights Award. She had been involved with Planned Parenthood, the Every Woman Centre, Transition House, the Ann Terry Employment Outreach Project and the AIDS Coalition. Cheryl felt strongly about being involved in improving the lives of women.
On July 12, 1943, 171 Ashby Road welcomed Cheryl as the first daughter of the late Vincent and Dougie Coffin.
Cheryl is survived by her loving husband Sheldon and her two sons, Joseph (Rachelle), Sydney, and Glenn (Krista), Bedford. Cheryl was also the proud Nana of her two beloved granddaughters, Abigail and Payton.
The eldest sister of the Coffin clan leaves behind Kathy (John), Bedford, Annette (Jo Ann), Ben Eoin, Laurie, Sydney, and Marguerite (Hugh), Brockville. She is predeceased by her brother David (Maureen also deceased) of Havre Boucher. Cheryl was a loving aunt to many nieces and nephews.
Visitation will take place at T.W. Curry Parkview Chapel at 2-4 pm and 7-9pm on Friday, March 23. A commemoration service will take place at the TW Curry Parkview Chapel at 11 am, March 24th with reception to follow.
A very special thank you to Dr. Sebastian. The family would also like to extend a deep thanks to the kind and generous staff and caregivers of 4 North of the Glace Bay Hospital. Donations can be made to the Alzheimer’s Society, the VON Centre or charity of choice.
Online condolences may be sent by visiting www.twcurry.com.
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