(GLADYS) LAUREEN COCHRANE

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(GLADYS) LAUREEN COCHRANE It is with sadness, yet thanksgiving, that we announce the peaceful passing of Laureen Cochrane on Friday, October 25, 2013. We grieve our loss but are grateful that her 10 year struggle with Alzheimer's is over. Those left to remember her quiet love of family are her devoted husband of 66 years, John, her son Randy (Sharon), her daughters Shirley Gibb and Laurie (Raymond) Chudley, 10 grandchildren and 13 great-grandchildren, also her brother Everett (Ivy) Johnston and her sister-in-law Muriel Johnston. Mom considered herself a simple prairie girl. She was born on the family homestead near D'Arcy, SK on March 17, 1925 and often told tales of her happy childhood on the family farm with her parents Fred and Laura (McCosh) Johnston, and older brothers Keith and Everett. After graduating from Normal School (Teachers' College) in Saskatoon she taught Grades 1-10 at two one-room schoolhouses in districts near D'Arcy. One summer afternoon Dad, who was on leave from the navy, spied the young schoolmarm walking home, and the rest, as they say, is history. Mom and Dad were married August 23, 1947 and after a short honeymoon, settled in Transcona where Dad worked at the CNR Shops. While raising their family, Mom and Dad made many life-long friends, including close neighbours, church friends and the families of Mom's "Sewing Gang", a group of 10 moms who met regularly for over 55 years, supporting each other in happy times and sad. Mom and Dad enjoyed square-dancing, playing cards and making regular trips back to Saskatchewan to visit relatives. Mom was an avid five-pin bowler and she enjoyed growing flowers, especially African violets. She was the ultimate bargain shopper and loved the thrill of the hunt. One of her most enduring hobbies was doing petit-point, and many of her pictures grace the homes of her children and grandchildren. She also sewed, knit and baked for all occasions, and we kids knew that if there was a Lazy Daisy cake on the counter, either company was coming or there was a funeral. She showed outstanding patience and fortitude when, as a young mom with kids in tow, she taught many of her girlfriends to drive. She and Dad enjoyed early cottage years at Gull Lake, and then in 1970 they bought a cottage "sight unseen" at Caddy Lake and the good times moved right along with them. In later years, Mom got much pleasure from collecting antiques, especially Dresden and Royal Doulton figurines, and Eaton Beauty dolls. After Dad's retirement in 1986, they travelled to many places in the USA and Europe, but home was always the best. Mom and Dad volunteered with Meals on Wheels for over 30 years. Mom was a longtime member of Confidence Rebekah Lodge No. 40. She was a lifetime member of the United Church Women of Transcona Memorial United Church, where she also taught Sunday School for many years. Mom quietly lived out her faith among her family, friends and neighbours. She lived what she believed. The family would like to thank the staff of Parkview Place Personal Care Home, especially the 5th floor staff, for treating Mom with such patience and compassion over the past two and a half years. Friends are invited to join the family at a memorial service celebrating Mom's life on Saturday, November 16 at 1:30 p.m. at the Transcona Memorial United Church, 209 Yale Ave. West. Although Mom loved flowers, donations made to the TMUC Building Fund or a charity of your choice in her memory would be appreciated. But they that wait on the LORD shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings as eagles; they shall run, and not be weary; and they shall walk, and not faint. Isaiah 40:31 www.seasonsfunerals.ca
Publish Date: Nov 2, 2013

(GLADYS) LAUREEN COCHRANE It is with sadness that we announce the passing of Laureen Cochrane on Friday, October 25, 2013. She will be dearly missed by her beloved and devoted husband of 66 years, John, son Randy (Sharon), her daughters Shirley Gibb and Laurie (Raymond) Chudley. Friends are invited to join the family at a memorial service celebrating her life on Saturday, November 16, 2013 at 1:30 pm at the Transcona Memorial United Church, 209 Yale Avenue West. A complete obituary will follow in Saturday's paper. www.seasonsfunerals.ca
Publish Date: Oct 29, 2013

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Nov 02, 2013