Elva COCHRANE

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COCHRANE: Elva Jean (McKenzie) Cochrane. Peacefully, with birds singing outside her window, Elva Jean (McKenzie) Cochrane passed away at Fairview Home in Brandon, Manitoba on March 3, 2012. Born in Portage la Prairie, on September 23, 1936, to Frederick and Elva McKenzie of High Bluff, Manitoba. Jean was raised in their Portage la Prairie home, built by her father, while he worked on the McKenzie family farm in High Bluff. Her McKenzie Scottish roots were a proud part of her life which she later passed onto her children. As a young child, Jean also developed a love and appreciation of dolls which followed her throughout her life. Educated in Portage la Prairie, she then moved to Winnipeg to work at Atomic Transfer as a receptionist. She met her future husband Neil Cochrane in Portage la Prairie while he was stationed at the base. They married June 16, 1956 in Portage la Prairie. As Neil followed opportunities in his welding trade, they lived in Winnipeg for a short time before moving to Glenboro, Carberry and lastly Brandon where they raised their family of three children Laurie, Fred and Ken. Neil worked at Behlen, Simplot and lastly as welding instructor at Crocus Plains Regional Secondary School while Jean stayed at home to take care of their growing family. Family summer vacations were enjoyed camping at Blue Lakes when they were not at a rural auction somewhere in Manitoba. As her children grew up and started their own lives, she was employed at the Royal Oak Inn gift shop, and the Green Leaf as she was so interested in plants and cacti. They both enjoyed collecting antique lamps and othercollectables. But Mom's primary interest was in jewellery, glassware, and her longstanding love of dolls. These interests fostered the beginning of some of the best friendships she so enjoyed until the last years of her life. She was well respected for her vast knowledge of antiques which was put to use when she worked at Donogh Antiques Gallery for many years. Jean made friends quickly and people admired her for her honesty and integrity. Over the years, the many visits from family and friends was often proudly spoken of. Her home, especially her backyard, was the place she enjoyed the most. Here her passion for birds, squirrels and gardening was reflected proudly in her roses and cacti. She could not resist a new and unusual plant, especially if it was purple, or a new rose without buying it for her garden. She shared this garden time with her many dogs and her pet birds especially her dog Bonnie. Jean is survived by her children, Laurie (Ron) Ball, Fred Cochrane, Ken (Claudette) McKenzie-Cochrane; her grandchildren Scott (Nadia) Ball, Angie (Mike) Glover, Neale and Jessica Cochrane, Katlyn, Amber and Mia McKenzie-Cochrane; as well as her great- grandchildren Elizabeth, Chase and Jett Ball, Kayden and Asher Glover. She was pre-deceased by her parents Fred and Elva, as well as her loving husband Neil Cochrane. A special note of thanks to her special friends and caring staff who became friends, at the Fairview Home. Your kind words, conversations and exceptional care for Jean will always be remembered by her family. A Memorial Reception was held in her honor at Memories Chapel on Saturday, March 10, 2012. Many friends and family reminisced the fond times they shared with her. Jean's family wishes to thank everyone for the many cards, beautiful flowers, care packages and condolences sent to us. Your thoughtfulness will always be remembered and appreciated. Donations in Jean's honor may be made to the Humane Society, 2200 17th Street East, Brandon, MB, R7A 7M6. A private interment will be held at the McKenzie Family Cemetery in High Bluff Manitoba at a later date. She will forever restpeacefully... finally at home at High Bluff. Expressions of sympathy may be made at www.memorieschapel.com. Arrangements were with Memories Chapel & Pre-Planning Centre, 727-0330.

As published in Brandon Sun on Mar 31, 2012