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Dorothea COOKE

March 28, 2005

COOKE, Dorothea Winifred (Dorette), nee Hughes (85), passed away peacefully in her home on Easter Monday, 28th March, after a long and courageous battle with cancer. She is survived by Basil, her husband of 62 years, their two sons, Christopher and Patrick, and three grandsons. Dorette was born in South Africa, where she taught mathematics and geography before emigrating to Canad with her family in 1961. In Halifax she taught part time at the Convent of the Sacred Heart, before "retiring" to White Rock in 1981 where she worked as a volunteer with a number of Seniors organizations. For several years she chaired the committee that, under the title "Knowledge is the BEST medicine" was active in educating Seniors in the community regarding the proper use of medication. She has been a leading figure in White Rock Meals on Wheels, being successively Coordinator and President for 22 years. She has also played an active role in the Educational programme of the Royal Commonwealth Society. In recognition of her work in the community and beyond she was awarded the Canadian 125th Anniversary Commemorative Medal in 1993 and in 1999 had the unusual honour of being elected a Paul Harris Fellow by Rotary International.

May her gentle soul rest in peace.