Obituary of Arleighn Margaret Cook
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COOK, Arleighn Margaret
It is with great sadness that we announce the peaceful passing of our wonderful Mother, Arleighn Margaret Cook, on Tuesday, November 14 at the age of 98. Mother was a longtime resident of Waterloo Heights and enjoyed very good health until quite recently. She was born to the late Charles H. Coles and Margaret Pearl Cannon March 30, 1925, in Charlottetown, P.E.I.. After 51 years of marriage, she was predeceased by her husband Jim in 2000, and by her son Kent Robert (Maryan) in 2022. She is survived by her only sister, Carol Marie Dicks. She leaves 6 children, Charles (Merryl), Peggy (Ron, deceased 2022), Alan (Linda), Scott, Jayne (Chuck), Ian (Bettina), 14 grandchildren and 15 great grandchildren. Special mother-in-law to Doreen Cook and Aunt to Catherine Clement, John and Christopher Dicks, Joanne Cook, Jennifer Cook and Rebecca Cook.
She met the love of her life, our father Jim, in 1948 while working at Maritime Airways in Moncton, N.B.. In addition to raising 7 children, Dad’s career as a Naval Officer kept Mom even busier, moving across the country at least 7 times before finally settling in Waterloo in 1966. Upon arrival, Mom chose to work outside the home where she spent many happy years employed in the engineering department of Sunar Hauserman.
After retirement, she and Dad travelled extensively and the draw of her home province brought them many summers of cottaging in P.E.I.. Mom was still journeying there well into her late 80’s. She loved the Island and it was a highlight for us all when we had a chance to visit.
Mother was very musical, playing the cello and piano as a child and the organ throughout her adult life. Our parents regularly attended the K-W Symphony, Philharmonic Choir, and local musical theatre. She enjoyed a competitive game of Bridge, loved to draw and colour, and spent many, many hours knitting sweaters, mitts and hats for everyone.
The highlight of Mom’s day was a “wee dram” at Happy Hour, a regular occurrence for many, many years. She loved a smooth single malt and could think of no better way to celebrate the end of another wonderful day with glass in hand.
Mom was always busy running the house, running after the children, helping our father through his health challenges and being there for all of us when needed. She was full of compassion and calm grace and had a view of the world so influenced by a wonderful, positive attitude. She had a strong faith, was thankful for all she had, especially the love of her family. Mom was a long-time member of the Church of the Holy Saviour, and we thank the Reverend Dr. Greg Jenkins for his visits, support and prayers.
We would like to thank the wonderful staff at Waterloo Heights who were so compassionate towards Mother for many years and especially as her strength faded over the last few months. The fourth-floor team at St. Mary’s hospital worked tirelessly to keep Mom comfortable, and the Palliative care staff at Freeport Hospital were so kind in her last days.
Although her passing brings sadness, we carry with us the many wonderful memories of our lives together and are comforted that she is now in the arms of her Saviour.
A funeral service to celebrate Arleighn’s life and faith will be held at the Erb & Good Family Funeral Home, 171 King St. S., Waterloo on Saturday, May 4, 2024 at 1:00 pm. A reception will follow in the Fireside Reception Room at the funeral home.
In lieu of flowers, we would appreciate donations towards the Holy Saviour Building fund through this link:
https://www.holy-saviour.on.ca/give (please click directly on this link)