LORI PATRICIA COOPER

Condolences & Memories (25 entries)

• Lori was wonderful to work with, had a very sparkly pleasant personality. So very sad to hear of her passing. - Posted by: Gail Yacucha (Colleague) on: Sep 30, 2020

• I'll always remember Lori as my kind-hearted cousin who always had a smile on her face and something nice to say. I'm very sorry to hear that she is gone and I'm certain she will be missed by all who knew her. Rest in peace Lori. Dana Starkell - Cousin - Posted by: Dana Starkell (Cousin) on: Sep 20, 2020

• My glamorous cousin Lori. I will forever picture you the way I remember you when our family visited yours at 22 Coral Crescent. I was a few years younger and in total awe. You were so beautiful, so cool, and also generous with your gawky little cousin. My heart goes out to Gord, Ken, Rob and Jill, Auntie Della, and all your friends and extended family. Glad that you’re with the angels and whole again. - Posted by: Jody and Andy Oetter (Cousin) on: Sep 18, 2020

• Whenever I picture Lori I picture her how she was before dementia; beautiful and happy, with her long black hair and makeup on. When I was a kid Lori always looked like a model, even when she was out cutting the grass. In all my memories Lori is always laughing and smiling, and joking around with Gordie. I don’t think I ever seen Lori mad, even though I’m pretty sure we neighbourhood kids ran through their garden on more than one occasion. I miss Lori and the memories that could have been, but I am grateful for the memories that I do have with her. Lori will always be in my heart, missed but never forgotten - Posted by: Keeley (Goddaughter ) on: Sep 17, 2020

• I am so deeply saddened to learn of Lori’s passing. She was such a powerful energy in our workplace and a bright light during difficult times. She possessed such beautiful human traits that will sorely be missed. - Posted by: Ed Bruzzese (Colleague) on: Sep 17, 2020

• Lori was a very good friend of ours, along with Gord with spent many great times together, New Years Eves, Parties, Weddings, Haloween Parties and boy could she eat lobster which was seen at several Lobsterfeasts we attended.To many of our friends who didn't know her very well, they would always refer to her as "you know Elvira" She was a fun girl to be around. Our kids were very saddened when they received the news of her passing as they've known her all their lives. We bowled together for over 40 years. Mary & Lori went into jazz dancing together in their early 20s and as everyone who knew her, saw the joy she had in dancing. We lost our friend way to early to this horrible disease. We miss her very much but she will always be in our hearts. We'd like to thank Gord for being her angel. Our thoughts, prayers and sincere condolences go out to Gord and Lori's family. - Posted by: Ghislain & Mary Carriere (Close Friends) on: Sep 15, 2020

• Our circle of friends on Mission Street first met Lori when she was just 16, and over the many years she remained the same bright, energetic, spunky, funny, caring woman who was amused by life and quick to laugh. Lori was also an excellent listener who would always make time to hear the worries of her friends without passing judgment, and never did she have a harsh word for anyone. Lori Patricia Cooper, your friendship was a treasure. Fare well. - Posted by: John Campbell (Friend) on: Sep 15, 2020

• My Deepest Condolences Gordy and Family. Rest in Peace Lori! - Posted by: Derrick Taschuk (Family friend) on: Sep 14, 2020

• I was so saddened by the news about Lori's passing. Although I haven't seen Lori in many years, I will always remember her sweet disposition and sense of humor. I knew Lori way back when she was part of our Mission Street crowd. Fun loving, sincere and adventurous, Lori always made me feel special...right from the first time I met her. Rest in Peace sweet girl...I'll miss you more than you could ever know. Love Linda Leclerc (Lang) - Posted by: Linda Leclerc (friend) on: Sep 14, 2020

• My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. It was a joy to work with Lori and I will never forget the warmth her smile brought to the office each and every day. Shared lots of fun and laughter with Lori. She generously hosted my baby shower when my son Justin was born and I will always have good memories of time spent with her. - Posted by: Brenda Homenko (Co-worker and friend) on: Sep 13, 2020

• I will miss you, Lori. Many fun lunches and conversations at work. Especially enjoyed going to University with you and I was proud when you made the Honour Roll! - Posted by: Ann Schultz (Friend and Co-worker) on: Sep 12, 2020

• My condolences. Worked with Lori for years at Symington. Happy go lucky. Shared laughs. Great help all the time! - Posted by: Gary Henriksen (worker) on: Sep 12, 2020

• Aunt Della, Rob, Ken, Gordie and family, Very sorry to hear about the loss of cousin Lori. May she rest peacefully. Aunt Della, Wishing you well and hope you are doing OK. Thoughts and prayers are with you and yours. love Gail and Nandor - Posted by: Gail and Nandor Petrov (Cousin) on: Sep 12, 2020

• Please accept our condolences during this difficult period of time. Over the years we had many great memories shared with Lori that we will forever cherish. Lori had a genuine heart and got along great with everyone. She will be deeply missed and forever remembered by all whose lives she touched in her life. - Posted by: Wanda,Shaylene,Tanner McCallen (Family Friend/Neighbor ) on: Sep 12, 2020

• I worked with Lori for many years. She always had a smile and was so vibrant and full of life. RIP Lori. Tim & Lois Urbanovitch - Posted by: Tim UrbanovitchUrbanovitch (Fellow employee ) on: Sep 12, 2020

• Condolences to family and friends. I worked with Lori in Symington, she was the glue that kept the place in some semblance of order. RIP, much too early. - Posted by: Lindsay Struve (Coworker) on: Sep 12, 2020

• Sad news, condolences to family and friends - Posted by: Nigel wyer (work) on: Sep 12, 2020

• We knew Lori since high school in the '70's and were quite sad to hear of her passing . She was smart, thoughtful and always fun to be around. Our prayers go out to Gord and Lori's families. She will be remembered and missed. May she rest peacefully. - Posted by: Mike and Teresa Janssens (friends) on: Sep 12, 2020

• I didn’t know Lori as well as I know Gord but I know how much he loves her and how much she will be missed. She was a fun person to be around and talk to and my heart goes out to Gord and all the families. - Posted by: Ryan Mccullough (Friend) on: Sep 12, 2020

• Sorry to hear of Lori's passing. Those were fun, early days working at the CN Depot. - Posted by: Hank Lemoine (Worked at CN) on: Sep 12, 2020

• Condolences to Gord & Family. Lori was a terrific work colleague. Although we worked from a distance (she in Winnipeg & me in Edmonton), I was lucky enough to meet her when I was in Winnipeg for work. I always enjoyed our chats & her impeccable sense of humour. You will be missed. May you RIP❤️ - Posted by: Michelle Johnson (Work colleague ) on: Sep 12, 2020

• I’m having a very hard time writing this, not only because of the tears flowing from knowing with a terrible finality that a beautiful lady is gone before her time, but also because of the bittersweet relief that comes from knowing Lori has slipped the bonds of this earth and is now free of dementia – a cruel terrible disease which served no purpose other than to rob us all of such a gentle soul. It’s also hard to capture the essence of this lady in only a few words, but I shall try. I met Lori soon after transferring in to Winnipeg in December of 2004. I was working a 18:00 to 06:00 shift in a wicked snowstorm, trying to wrap my head around the operation. From out of the blue, there was a soft tap at the door, and in walked Lori. I could tell immediately she had a presence that made you sit up and take notice, not just from her impeccable appearance, but mainly her eyes and radiant smile that warmed you to the core. We talked, she made some suggestions regarding Symington Yard, and from that day we formed the bonds that took us through the rest of both our careers at CN. I valued each and every moment I spent with her – no matter how crazy the operation was, the minute she popped up things seemed calmer. Lori always performed her duties in a very capable and professional manner. I’m thinking of all the “Lori-isms” that make one laugh, because that’s what we should be doing instead of crying. So here goes, these are but a few I treasure: 1. It’s no secret each and every running trades employee was – how can I put this – in a kind of love with Lori. I’d walk into the booking in room at the yard, and look at the usual graffiti scrawls on the wall because you can learn a lot from those. Usually I’d shake my head. However, one day, I came across a heart with a cupid arrow through it captioned “All CN Conductors + Lori Cooper”. It’s because she had earned their respect. The men and women may have cussed us officers, but never Lori. Seeing that made my day. 2. Lori was the only qualified conductor I knew who wore pink work boots with sparkles on them. Her duties were mainly clerical, but she passed her rules exam and was proud of her Conductor card. I’d walk by her office and see them lined up neatly when not in use, and again I’d smile and think only Lori could pull that off. 3. During a period of labour unrest in 2007, some clerical staff were used to help keep the operation going. Lori bravely volunteered to go as a conductor, even though she had minimal practical experience. So, she became our secret weapon, because we put her – sparkly pink work boots and all – on the hottest trains we had to get moving. And you know what – it always worked, because no locomotive engineer was going to let Lori get in harm’s way. Usually they’d perform most of the manual work coupling cars and air hoses while showing her the right way of doing things – but that was their little secret. I still have this vision in my head of Lori likely re-manicuring her nails while the guys did everything for her. I can't prove this actually happened, but I have a feeling it did. During one of her trips, Lori inspected her train and found a broken wheel, preventing a potential catastrophic derailment. Even with her limited experience in Operations, only Lori could pull that off. 4. Man, that girl could eat and never gain a pound! We’d go to lunch sometimes, and at certain smorgasbords Lori would put anyone to shame. We had a saying that you never put your hand near her plate because you’d lose it for sure. She could pile a plate about 10 inches high with noodles and assorted vegetables and meat, then balance a bowl of fried rice back to the table. Then she’d go back for seconds. Only Lori could pull that off. Finally, regarding her spiritual and emotional attachment to Gord, her husband and life partner. Gord, I know she loved you fiercely and with a passion few people possess. She was always talking about you, and it was clear she loved you deeply. Bowling came a close second. I’m so proud of how you supported her throughout this long ordeal. I know both you and I had hope against hope there was a miracle forthcoming that would cure her, but alas it never came. I offer my deepest and sincere condolences on the loss of Lori, but as long as she is remembered she’s never truly gone. Lori, we hardly knew ye, but what we did know made us grin. The world was a better place while you were here, it is now diminished. Fly high with the angels, and may you be at rest and peace. I can still feel your smile. - Posted by: Greg Wolnairski (Co-worker) on: Sep 12, 2020

• So very sorry to hear of Lori's passing! Our thoughts and prayers are with the entire family! - Posted by: Bruce and Janet Anderson (Friends) on: Sep 12, 2020

• Worked with Lori for several years and found her to be very dedicated and had a natural ability to get along with everyone. She certainly made my job easier over the years together. - Posted by: LeRoy Fox (Co-Worker) on: Sep 12, 2020

• We are all sad to learn of the passing of Gord's beloved wife Lori. Our thoughts and prayers are with Gord and Lori's family. - Posted by: The McCullough family (Friend) on: Sep 12, 2020