Madeline Cooke
Madeline Cooke of Riverside Heights passed away, after a brief illness, on Dec. 22, 2005 at Winchester District Memorial Hospital. She was 88.
She was born on Feb. 8, 1917 in Hanesville to the late John Fossitt and the late Jenny Fossitt (nee Lennox). She was predeceased by her husband Lorne Cooke whom she married on Oct. 24, 1936 at Winchester United Church. Madeline is survived by her daughter Marian (Jerry) Michalicka of Riverside Heights. She was predeceased by her daughter Lorna Jean Barkley, sisters Leaphy Dewland, Winnie Banford, Lily Hanes, Lola Dvornsky, Verla Cook, Keitha Fossitt and brothers Jim and Elmer. She was the cherished grandmother of Kim (Stewart) Wheeler, Murray (Patty) Michalicka, Myrna (Jamie) Cheney, and Steven (Fay) Barkley. She was the loving great-grandmother of Alison and Erin Wheeler. She was the special "mother" of Sharon (John) Mulkerns of Kingston. She was the dear mother-in-law of John Barkley of Riverside Heights. She will be mourned by many nieces and nephews.
When Madeline lived in Inkerman, she was asked to iron nurses uniforms for the nurses at the Winchester District Memorial Hospital. She accepted on the condition that she would get a job on one of the hospital wards. After almost five years she was asked to join the staff on the maternity ward. Caring for the newborn infants was a very rewarding career for her which spanned 25 years. During her career at the hospital she was affectionately known as "Cookie".
Madeline lived in Riverside Heights with her daughter Marian for the past 5 1/2 years. She lived in several communities in Dundas County during her lifetime including Winchester, Hallville, Inkerman, Iroquois, Hanesville, and Cass Bridge. She was a member of St. Andrew's United Church in Hallville.
Her number one priority was her family. She treasured each and every member of her family and she was happiest when they were all together. When she had some extra time, she loved to crochet. Many homes are adorned with beautiful doilies and afghans she created. Daily crossword puzzles and word jumbles helped to keep her mind active and alert. Madeline was a farmer's wife who possessed all of the necessary skills such as cooking and baking in addition to being able to lend a helping hand with the farm chores.
Friends called at the Marsden and McLaughlin Funeral Home in Williamsburg on Dec. 23. The funeral service was held in the funeral home on Dec. 24 with Rev. Marion Milnes officiating. Interment will be held at Maple Ridge Cemetery in Chesterville.
Pallbearers were Murray Michalicka, Myrna Cheney, Jamie Cheney, Kim Wheeler, Megan Mulkerns and Lauren Mulkerns. Honorary pallbearers were Steve Barkley, Fay Barkley, Alison Wheeler, Erin Wheeler, John Mulkerns and Sharon Mulkerns.
Donations to Winchester District Memorial Hospital would be appreciated by the family.