Gail Carol Cooke

It is with great sorrow that the family announces the passing of our mother, grandmother, Gail Carol Cooke, aged 72 years. After a lengthy battle with MS she passed peacefully on May 27th 2014.

Gail was born in Winnipeg, MB on September 27th 1940, daughter of the late Charles & Clara Mayor. She married Earle Bruce Cooke on October 8th, 1960 at the Oxford United Church.

She is predeceased by her loving husband Earle, son Russell, parents Charles & Clara Mayor and her brother Ronald.

She is survived by her sons Ronald and Richard (Lisa); daughter in law Michelle; grandsons Ryan, Riley, Jamie; granddaughter Ashtyn; sister Karen (Bruce Wells); brother in law Bill Cooke; sister in law Dorthea Cooke, as well as numerous aunts, uncles, cousins, nieces, nephews, friends and neighbors.

Mom was a very devoted wife, mother and grandmother. In her early days she enjoyed summers at the lake and winters at the hockey arena watching her son’s play. She was the ultimate sports mom always on the go running from soccer to football to hockey, still managing time to watch the Bombers and the Jets play. In her spare time she enjoyed playing cards, bingo, and bowling in a league with her friends, winning many championships.

Mom was always the first to offer a helping hand when anyone needed it and always involved with the community. As time went on she found other ways to help the community by working for many years at the Christmas Cheer Board.

In her later years, even after she was diagnosed with MS, mom did her best to be helpful to others. She spent her past few years at River Park Gardens. A self appointed ambassador, her caring nature helped affect positive changes within the facility. Our heartfelt thanks goes out to the amazing staff at River Park Gardens, all of whom mom came to care about very much, as if they were her own family. We would like to especially thank Nancy for her above and beyond compassion, love and care of our mother.

Following mom’s wishes she will be cremated and no formal service will be held. A celebration of Gail’s life will be held at a later date, in lieu of flowers the family has requested donations be made to the MS Society of Manitoba.

I’M FREE

Don’t grieve for me, for now I’m free; I took his hand when I heard him call; I turned my back and left it all. If my parting has left a void; then fill it with remembered joy. My life’s been full, I savored much; good friends, good times, a loved one’s touch. A friendship shared, a laugh, a kiss; Ah yes, these things, I too will miss. Perhaps my time seemed all to brief; don’t lengthen it now with undue grief. Lift up your hearts and share with me; God wanted me now. He set me free.

Forever in our hearts, your loving family