Obituary of Erma Helene Cooke

Erma Helene (Cullen) Cooke, 78, MacLellan’s Brook, passed away peacefully, Tuesday, April 4, 2023, at home, surrounded by the love of her family.

Born in New Glasgow, she was a daughter of the late John David and Bernice Winnifred (Winnifred) Cullen. Erma devoted her life to looking after her family, a supportive and loving wife and mother.  She enjoyed working outside in her flower gardens and looking after her Monarch butterflies, whom she longed to see each year. Along with nurturing her butterflies, she was an avid bird watcher and cared for many animals throughout the years.  Erma had many special dogs; Lassie, Sky, Rocky, Riley, Muffin and Sophie, each given a home and love. Erma enjoyed fishing with her late husband, Bill and picking mushrooms with Poppy and Nan.  Family gatherings were very important, she excelled at keeping her family connected, especially through every major holiday.  Erma will be forever cherished by those she loved.

Surviving are her children, Jeanette Cooke (Carter Verge), Sheet Harbour; Kelvin (Maureen) Cooke, Hammonds Plains; Jason Cooke, Linacy; grandchildren, Ashley Cooke (Aaron Farrell), San Jose, Calif.; Jennifer MacInnis (David Webber), Central West River; Mason Cooke (Amanda Martin), Hammonds Plains; great-grandchildren, Theresa Pace, Lily Cooke and Hudson Webber; brothers, Allie (Stacey) Cullen, Foxbrook; Ray Cullen (Robert Ward), Lyons Brook; sisters-in-law, Shirley (Jack) Wieler, Carlton Place, Ont.; Sharon (Tom) Dudka, Linacy; Sheila (Edgil) Hayter, Linacy; brother-in-law, Wayne (Bernadette) Cooke, Trenton; numerous nieces and nephews.

Besides her parents, she was predeceased by her husband of 56 years, Bill; brothers, Lawrence in infancy, Jack, Robert, Dennis, Theodore “Buddy” and David.

A public graveside service will be held 11 a.m. Saturday, April 8 in Thorburn Cemetery with Rev. Dr. Glen Matheson officiating.

The Cooke family wishes to thank the Pictou County VON staff, the Aberdeen Hospital Palliative Care team, doctors, nuses and caregivers for the excellent care Erma received. A special thank you to her primary caregiver, Lisa Dean for all she has done.  To all, Erma's family will be forever grateful.

If desired, donations may be made in Erma’s memory to The Pictou County VON or Thorburn Cemetery.