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HELEN AGATHA COOKE
Born: Feb 01, 1936
Date of Passing: Aug 07, 2024
Send Flowers to the Family Offer Condolences or MemoryHELEN AGATHA COOKE
Helen Agatha Cooke (nee Becker), loving matriarch, devoted wife, and most loyal friend; creative intellectual and curious adventurer; lover of long woodsy rambles with sketching opportunities, unexpected afternoon naps, and large, milky mugs of tea, died in the early hours of Wednesday, August 7, 2024, in Winnipeg, Manitoba.
Helen spent her life nurturing relationships, art, gardens, and music, in that order. Despite being really amazing at everything- truly, she could cook anything, grow anything, fix anything, build anything, create anything- her humility was the kindness that left room for others to shine. Helen asked great questions, and then she actually listened. Because of this super-power, she made every space she ever entered safer and more inclusive. And for this, and much more, she was loved.
Helen wanted everyone who loved her to know, she was neither bitter about having her time here cut short, nor was she afraid to leave. She packed more living into her last 10 months than many people enjoy in a decade, taking one last grand adventure to Europe, criss-crossing the country to visit the family and friends she loved so dearly, and finishing up several creative projects. Once she understood that the cancer battle was lost, Helen went the way she had lived her whole life, with grace, dignity, and as little trouble to others as possible. Know that she suffered very little, and died exactly as she had planned, peacefully in her home, being cared for by her children and grandchildren, surrounded by love. A life truly well lived from start to finish.
“The older I get the more I realize that I am an entity living in a body that has become an old house. And when that old house falls down, I will go off into the universe and exist there. And you will see me again.” (Helen Cooke)
In lieu of flowers, to honour this incredible woman, sometime in the next week be more patient in a trying moment, perform an unexpected kindness, provide empathy where it feels undeserved - and know that Helen is smiling on you.
Helen was predeceased by her husband John Cooke. She is survived by her three brothers Henry Becker (Kingston), Helmut Becker (London), and George Becker (Saskatoon), her five children, Tim Cooke (Calgary), Jennifer O'Connor (Winnipeg), Salina Barry (Regina), Catherine Cooke (Winnipeg), and Ted Cooke (Regina); and her many grandchildren.
A private cremation service was held in Winnipeg on Friday, August 9. Celebrations of Life to be held in Saskatoon and Winnipeg.
As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Aug 17, 2024, Aug 17, 2024
Condolences & Memories (1 entries)
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It's ironic to say I was Helen's pottery teacher, as it was I who learned from her. She made the most amazing pieces, always destined for a lucky family member or friend. Her patience, generosity and quiet kindness helped us all. My deepest condolences to all of her beautiful family. What a sad loss. She leaves a void in all of the many hearts that loved and admired her. May you Rest in Peace dear Helen. - Posted by: Valerie Metcalfe (Friend/Pottery Teacher) on: Aug 21, 2024