Irene Frances Durham-Cooke (nee Tufts)
Peacefully on Thursday, April 23rd Mom passed away at 89 years of age with family at her side. She was predeceased by her first husband Cephas Durham of Carman, Mb. and second husband Roy Cooke of Weyburn, Sk, as well as her best friend and sister Kathleen Laycock.
Mom is survived and greatly missed by her son John(Kristina); Niece Sandra(Don), Myrna(Ernie), Nephew Barry and friend Shirley ; Stepchildren, Francis(Art), John and Dudley(Jocelyn) who accepted Mom late in life into their family with open arms. Also missing Mom are grandchildren Kurtiss (Emily), Trevor (Arden), Donald (Liz), Trista (Paul), Matthew(Sarah) and Christine (Howie), Carla (Steve), Calvin, Great grandchildren Tony-Anne, Ella, Ellysa, Savanah, Kennedy, Kalub and Bronwen.
Irene was born and grew up and went to school in Carman. Some time after she graduated High School Mom moved into Winnipeg to attend Normal School to become a teacher. While in Winnipeg she stayed with the Blaikie’s of St Vital. who became life long friends and members of the family. Upon completing college she taught elementary grades in a number of schools in Manitoba and has maintained contact with some of her students. She met Dad in Carman and corresponded with him during the war and married soon after his return. Too soon Dad passed away and she was left to care for a young son. Teaching, working as a nurses aid, giving piano lessons at home and playing organ for two church services was not enough for Mom. She packed us up, moved us to Winnipeg and proceeded to get her Nursing Certificate and began a second career. When Mom retired she soon felt the urge to learn again, she attended the University of Winnipeg part time for the better part of the rest of her life attaining an honors degree in history at the age of 73 years.
Mom’s church, family, dogs and music were the four cornerstones of her life and she was passionate about them all. Her time in Weyburn running the Stray Pet Society was some of the most fulfilling of her life. The service award she received from the Winnipeg Humane Society was also prized.
Like Mom’s passion for learning, not having this amazing women in our lives will be a thirst that can never be quenched. Not a day will go by when a thought of her will not bring a smile to your face.
Funeral service will be held on Monday, April 27, 2009 at 11:00 a.m. at Doyle’s Funeral Chapel, Carman with Rev. Dr. Raymond A. Cuthbert officiating. Viewing will take place at the Chapel prior to the service. Interment will take place in the Greenwood Cemetery, Carman.
In lieu of flowers, those wishing to may make a donation in Irene’s memory to The Winnipeg Humane Society 45 Hurst Way, Winnipeg, MB. R3T 0R3.
Goodbye Mom, we love you.
