IRENE COOK

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IRENE COOK Barbara Irene Cook (nee Hoy) passed away Sunday, January 11, 2015 at the Victoria General Hospital in Winnipeg at the age of 85. Beloved wife of John Wilf Cook (predeceased); dear mother to Clark Cook and Coleene (Bruce) Major; loving grandmother of Kaleb and Berhanesh Major; survived by her brother Bill (Donna) Hoy; predeceased by her brother and sister-in-law Charlie (Rita) Hoy. You have had many roles throughout your life: daughter, sister, mother, mother-in-law, aunt, friend, and many others. You share the wisdom and experience you gained through good times and bad with those who knew and respected you. You did not give up when life placed walls before you or put obstacles in your path. You instead re-invented yourself, picked yourself up and carried on, moving ever forward to face whatever new challenges might come. You were stubborn, strong willed and courageous and when you made up your mind as to what would be neither Heaven nor Earth could move you from your path. The loss of your beloved husband could not stop you; you carried on. You survived though family and long-time friends did not; you carried on. And even as your world kept shrinking to a prison of pain, your own flesh becoming your cell, closer and surer as time continued, still you carried on. Now we must believe that the prison has been opened, the bars torn away and the way made clear to leap and dance since the pain has ended. We must believe that your eyes can clearly see all that was once shrouded and misty and that they behold happiness and joy and the family, friends and loved ones that have gone ahead and who welcomed you home with open arms. No more will you suffer the aches and pains, the limitations of this world for you have surpassed it and have moved on to a new and better place. Those left behind will weep, will remember good times and bad but most of all will take peace in knowing that, in the end, you found peace and freedom. We will take comfort in the truth that you persevered and have begun a new and even grander adventure than what you have left behind. We will carry on, even as you yourself have done and, at the end, we will meet again. Farewell. A friend is one who comes in when the world has gone out. Doing what you like is freedom. Liking what you do is happiness. The family would also like to extend sincere thanks and appreciation to family friend Ethel Hook who went so very far above and beyond any expectations to provide comfort, support and guidance. Her willingness to act as a mediator and a bridge over rough waters will never be forgotten. As per her wishes, Irene will be cremated with a private family interment to follow at a later date. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to the Victoria General Hospital (where Irene spent her last days receiving excellent care in emergency and on both the third and fifth floors) or to a charity of your choosing. For those who wish to sign the online Guest Book please visit our website. www.chapellawn.ca 885-9715
Publish Date: Jan 17, 2015

IRENE COOK 1929-2015 It is with great sadness we announce the passing of Barbara "Irene" Cook on Sunday, January 11, 2015 at the Victoria General Hospital at the age of 85 years. Longer obituary notice to follow. For those who wish to sign the online Guest Book please visit our website. www.chapellawn.ca 885-9715
Publish Date: Jan 14, 2015

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Jan 17, 2015