NORMA MAE COOKE

Adjust Text Size: A+ A-

NORMA MAE COOKE Peacefully, with family by her side, Norma passed away at home on Saturday, November 14, 2009 at the age of 81. She was predeceased by her husband Al, her parents Alvin and Jean Nickel, her brother Jim Nickel, brother-in-law Ken Simpson, and grandson Kevin Lohmer. She will be lovingly remembered by her children: John, Bill (Marrie) and their children Liz (Colin), Maggie (Joe), and Matthew; Allison (Rick Barnlund) and their children Mike (Colette) and Dan; Maureen (Albert Lohmer) and their children Brent and Cam; Charlie (Bernadette) and their children Gregg, Jesse (Jen), Bethany and Rebecca; and five great-grandchildren. She is also lovingly remembered by her sisters Marjie Simpson and Audrey Tait, sister-in-law Alma (Ernie Burdett) and her many nieces and nephews. Norma was born and raised in Winnipeg. As a teenager, she excelled in track and speed skating. She graduated from Kelvin High School and completed her Registered Nursing from Winnipeg General Hospital in 1950. She met Al in 1946 and they married in 1951. Mom was an energetic, kind, and loving person whose main focus was family. Whether it was packing up a car full of kids taking them to the cottage at Betula Lake or preparing all of the soccer and hockey equipment for games and practices, Mom kept it fun and made us all laugh. While in Silver Heights, she was actively involved in the United Church and in the hockey and soccer community. She often worked behind the scenes, and much of what she did was not always seen. In 1972, her family moved to Stonewall. Together Mom and Dad started Stonewall community soccer and one year she coached six teams! She became a respected bee-keeper and enjoyed the people she met while selling honey. Mom believed in keeping her brain active, enjoying her long involvement in Toastmasters. After the kids had grown, Mom returned to nursing. She then obtained a Bachelor of Arts degree at the University of Winnipeg, graduating at the age of 65. Mom held a great interest in her grandchildren and great-grandchildren. We will all miss her love, compassion, sense of humour and quiet strength. A Celebration of Life service will be held on Saturday, November 21, 2009 at 2:00 p.m. at MacKenzie Funeral Home, Stonewall. She has asked that we all wear bright happy colours. For those who desire, donations may be to the South Interlake Regional Library, Stonewall, Manitoba, R0C 2Z0. MacKenzie Funeral Home, Stonewall in care of arrangements.

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Nov 20, 2009