DELLA COOPER

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DELLA COOPER

It is with heavy hearts that the family announces the passing of our dear Mom, Della (Adela) Cooper, aged 96, of Winnipeg, on May 8, 2024. We will miss her greatly.

Della is survived by her sons Kenneth (Deb), Robert (Jill), Gord (son-in-law), grandchildren Meghan and Mia, step-grandchildren Vanessa and Sara, great-grandchildren, and siblings Eleanor, Ruth, Hannah, Esther and Ernest. Della was predeceased by her parents Martha (nee Schneider) and Samuel Treichel, by her husband Ken (2007), daughter Lori (2020), brother Leo (2021), and sister Laura (2023).

Della was born on August 12, 1927 in Slustowo, a village in the heart of Poland. In less than a year she and her parents immigrated to Canada with two large baskets containing all that would travel with them. The destination was Rosenfeld Manitoba, where extended family would help them settle and transition to a new life.

Life in Rosenfeld was extremely difficult. Mom sometimes shared doleful stories of growing up with almost nothing and the struggles of her parents to make ends meet. In 1944, they were able to relocate to Winnipeg and purchase a home of their own. Mom would grow up alongside her seven brothers and sisters, experiencing all the joys and challenges a large family brings.

After leaving school, Della graduated from Business College. This led to a secretarial job at Westeel, where she applied her skills in typing, dictation, and shorthand. Mom really enjoyed her 8½ years of work there.

In her early twenties, she met Ken through mutual friends Marg Busch and Lawrence Gardner. They were wed on September 11, 1951, and went on to have three children, Lori, Ken, and Robert.

After Lori was born, Della was dedicated in being a fantastic and wonderful mother. It was apparent to all who knew her that family was the most important thing in her life. She was a constant supportive presence and took great pride in her children's achievements. She was the family's social convener and maintained strong connections with family and friends throughout the years. Shorthand scribbles unintelligible to anyone else could be found by the telephone after lengthy conversations.

Outside of family, Della's life centered around her church. She was always involved in one way or another, teaching Sunday School and VBS, singing in choirs, and holding executive positions at the Zone and local levels of the Lutheran Women's Missionary League. She hosted conventions, served on various church committees, raised funds for overseas missions, and inaugurated her church's memorial fund.

Around the time that some people decide to retire, Della returned to office administrative work in a volunteer capacity. For more than twenty years, she volunteered at centres serving youth and seniors, most notably at Child & Family Services, Age & Opportunity, and the Department of Justice where she was an Honorary Probation Officer.

Much time was also spent at the family cottage in Gimli. Days were filled with gardening and visiting and evenings were filled with more visiting, card games, and visits to the bingo hall.

Above all this, her aging parents were a big part of her life, together with her husband Ken.

It was during COVID that Della began her final stay at Extendicare Oakview Place in Winnipeg. We thank the staff who came to know and compassionately care for her during this time.

In keeping with Della's wishes, cremation has taken place. A Celebration of her Life will be held at a later date, to be announced.

Until we meet again, rest in peace.

We love you forever and always.

"Bring up your children

in the nurture of our Lord

and they shall not depart from it."

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Aug 17, 2024, Aug 17, 2024