In her 100th year, peacefully and with family by her side, Nora passed away on July 17, 2012 at Victoria Hospital.
As one can imagine, through a century of living one life touches many others. Nora was predeceased by her husband Terry, brother Clint, sisters Ruth and Margaret and many other family members and friends. She is survived by her children: Patricia Beardon (John), John Cooke (Cathy), Susan Cooke and Elizabeth Albani (Ralph). Grandchildren: Gillian Layton, (Andrew), Andrew Beardon (Alison), Shirley Cooke, Gordon Cooke (Liana), Jason Dudek, Kimberly Dudek and Alexander Albani. Great grandchildren: James and Zara Layton, Emma, Daniel and Joshua Cooke, and Toby and Isla Beardon. She also leaves to mourn her passing, brother-in-law Robert Cooke, sister-in-law Ruth Cooke and a large extended family.
Nora was born in Wolseley, Saskatchewan on May 24th, 1912 in the same town and just days apart from Terry Cooke whom she would marry in Wolseley on July 4th, 1936. Not long after the births of Patricia and John, Terry left to serve his country in WWII. Upon his return at the war’s end, the family moved to Regina and shortly thereafter to Winnipeg. The family grew again with the arrivals of Susan and Elizabeth. Nora managed the family household and the activities of four very busy children as Terry grew and managed his dental practice. The family enjoyed uncountable happy times at Falcon Lake which undoubtedly grew to be Nora’s favourite place to be. There was no smile broader than that of Nora’s when family and friends were gathered at the cottage enjoying the sun, the water and Cooke hospitality. In fact, Nora pursued the ritual of taking her first dip in the lake on the May long weekend into her late 80’s.
As the children grew older and independent, Nora sought more challenges. The secretarial and coordination talents she developed working for her father on Parliament Hill in the 1930’s were put to good use once again working for the Indian Metis Friendship Centre and later on behalf of the Chaplains Office at the University of Manitoba.
After Terry retired, the couple moved to White Rock, British Columbia where they enjoyed several great years. They returned to Winnipeg in the mid-80’s, to enjoy more time with their family, regular get-togethers with the Bridge Club and longer stays at Falcon Lake.
Following the passing of her husband in 1988, Nora remained active within her circle of friends and spent as much time as she could at the cottage. Nine years ago, she moved to the Rosewood Village at the Waverley where she enjoyed wonderful care, support and the friendship of many residents.
An informal reception for family and friends will take place Saturday, July 28th, 6:00pm to 8:00pm at Thomson in the Park Funeral Home and Cemetery, 1291 McGillivray. Interment will take place in Wolseley, Saskatchewan at a later date.
Flowers gratefully declined. Memorial contributions can be made to a charity of your choosing.
SHARE OBITUARY
v.1.8.18