CAROL ANNE COOPER

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CAROL ANNE COOPER August 23, 1943 - December 24, 2004 Carol Anne, God's precious child, brought so much joy, enthusiasm, laughter, passion and generosity to her family, friends and career. A fighter till the end, she faced the contemptible cancer that consumed and took her in the dark of night at Steinbach Bethesda Hospital as she rested peacefully. Gone forever are the hopes and dreams of a lifetime to plan for, and escape to a well-earned retirement with Brian, family and friends at Paradise Village in Ste. Anne. All is peaceful now as Carol begins the safe journey home, a brightly burning candle to illuminate her way. Carol was predeceased by parents Joan and Fred Prentice of Pinawa, MB. She leaves to mourn her passing, Brian, her devoted husband, friend and lover of 38 years; son Dean (Tracey Seida); brother Brian (Carole) Prentice; brother-in-law Barry (Linda) Cooper; sister-in-law Barbara Cooper; sister-in-law Beverley (Mark) Snow. Carol was born in Red Deer, AB and quickly relocated with her parents during the Second World War to the United States, then to England where her father served in the war effort with Britain's R.A.F. The family, with younger brother Brian, returned to Winnipeg in 1951 to set down roots. Educated in Winnipeg, Carol met Brian in 1961 via a loving and persuasive yenta while all three were employees of Manitoba Telephone System. Married in 1966, Carol presented Brian with only son Dean on March 14, 1967, who later graduated from Ryerson Polytechnical Institute in Toronto, achieving his degree in broadcasting. Dean is presently a respected instructor of television broadcasting at Red River Community College in Winnipeg. A succession of short-term workplace experiences through the years afforded Carol the opportunity to earn her Bachelor of Education (English) degree in 1983. What a happy time. Additional clerical and junior administrative positions helped promote and advance her career until she found her niche as an Administrative Assistant in the Sleep Lab at Health Sciences Centre. Carol put her heart and soul into her career and was always eager to excel and make improvements while carrying out her assignments cheerfully. Toastmasters became the focal point in Carol's last years where she found her true calling. She surrounded herself with enthusiastic, fascinating friends who offered countless challenges, support, and opportunities for self improvement both behind and in front of the speaker's podium. Carol glowed with confidence and happiness as she gave of herself unstintingly; excelling while helping her fellow Toastmaster's succeed; achieving for herself the honour of President of Goodbye Jitters Toastmaster's Club No. 8688 in 2003-2004. The crowning final honour of Toastmaster of the Year for 2003-2004 with Goodbye Jitters, as awarded by her peers during her illness completed Carol's agenda and brought many satisfying smiles, tears and recollections to her as life faded. Yes...Toastmasters was SOME trip. The Cooper family extend heartfelt thanks and gratitude to the Manitoba CancerCare team, the South Eastman Palliative Care Unit and the loving medical staff of the Ste. Anne Hospital and Steinbach Bethesda Hospital. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Canadian Cancer Society. A cheerful reception of celebration to commemorate Carol's life will be held Thursday, January 6, 2005, between 5:00 p.m. and 8:00 p.m. at Green Acres Funeral Home, Highway No. 1 East and Navin Road, Winnipeg. We had a plan...but clouds got in the way Carol came into my life and wrapped me around her finger forever. Good night Muffin...My love my life

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Dec 31, 2004