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Obituary - Jennifer Cooke

Jennifer Cooke

1986 - 2021

Cook Southland Funeral Chapel - Cooke(2021)

It is with great sadness that the family announces the passing of Jennifer Rose Cooke on Wednesday, October 20, 2021, at the age of 35 years after a tough battle with liver disease. Jennifer will be lovingly remembered by her cherished son, Ryder Joseph Cooke; mother, Lori Geddes; her siblings as well as many nephews, nieces, aunts, uncles, cousins and very dear friends. Jen was predeceased by her father, Joseph Chalifoux; grandparents, Gerald and Margaret Rose Geddes and Joseph and Christine Chalifoux. Jen was born on June 30, 1986 in Medicine Hat. She was known for her beauty, kindness, creativity, bold fashion and being a bright light everywhere she went. Jen lived in Nova Scotia for three years pursuing her education, taking care of her grandma and bonding with extended family. Her vibrancy and big heart left lasting impressions on everyone that had the pleasure to meet her. Jen enjoyed writing poetry and this is one of her many poems:

PAINTED FACES

Every time you look in the mirror

Who do you see?

Is it your true self?

Or the person you pretend to be?

As you get ready to leave the house

You check the mirror again, and then close the door

You wish you could just stay home an hour more

You get in your car and take one more look

You are hiding your feelings because they will read you like a book

As you arrive at your destination

You put on a smile to hide your frustration

The day begins to slowly progress

You however still feel like a mess

What will it take to hold it together?

You cannot hide your emotions forever

Everyone feels pain in different cases

That is why we all wear painted faces

The family wishes to extend their deepest gratitude to the 4 West team at the Medicine Hat Regional Hospital where Jen had previously worked as a unit clerk. Their efforts to make the end of Jen's life comfortable and allow special friends and family to visit with her were appreciated. She passed away peacefully in the presence of her mother, Lori; sisters, Julie and Marney; mother-in-law, Deb; father-in-law, Doug and her favourite cousin, Jo-el. Jen’s memory will be silently remembered by family and friends without the proceedings of a formal service. A trust fund has been established for Ryder’s education. In lieu of flowers, donations in Jennifer’s memory are gratefully accepted to Ryder Cooke’s trust account at any Servus Credit Union.



 

  1. Julie Vizbar:
    Oct 22, 2021 at 02:26 PM

    Early Wednesday morning I spent 3 hours with my little sister. That time will be my final memory of her. After a painful battle with liver disease, she is at peace now. I am grateful that we had so much time together even though her life was cut so short. As children we were always together, usually dressed similar, often hard to tell apart. But she was the nice one, the loud one, the brave one. We had so many memories playing and running wild with our cousins. As much as I love capturing every moment on photo now, the best treasures of my sister are in the days before smart phones and social media. Even recently we would reminisce about all those little moments because they all added up to be so special. Jen always stood out in a crowd. She would often make her own clothes to ensure she had her own style. Her hair and makeup were always great and as much as she tried that never rubbed off on me. Even as adults, whenever I was with her she would always try to dress me up or try to make me less boring. I remember being in the hospital while my nephew Ryder was born. Seeing your little sister become a mom is a very special memory. Once I had Brady we shared the bond of motherhood. Jen had a big heart and an outgoing personality. She would make fast friends with everyone she met. Jen’s big heart extended to animals especially hairless cats and pitbulls. She thought it was pretty funny and out of character that I ended up with a big dog like Nike, and she was correct, but I guess even I can be unexpected sometimes. Last December when she was in the hospital in Halifax we would facetime quite a bit. At that time she was terrified to die but although she came close, she survived. Since then she was in and out of the hospital at various times. But I know she was able to do things that she wanted to do like come home to Medicine Hat and see Ryder excel on the football field. When she passed, she was at peace, and now she will rest forever in the strong arms of our Dad who passed away less than a year ago. ❤️

  2. Christina Peck:
    Oct 22, 2021 at 02:48 PM

    So sorry for your loss and thinking of you guys from Ns

  3. Sherry Jean:
    Oct 22, 2021 at 04:09 PM

    Jen, what can I say ... Your beautiful soul, your bubbly laugh, your ability to always look for rainbows on cloudy days. We enjoyed great chats on our front deck, enjoying laughs over our similiarities and our love for family .
    So beautiful and talented your light was bright and the world will miss you.
    When I think of a song for you It is Candle in the Wind by Elton John
    Fly with the angels my friend
    Sherry Jean

  4. Marney:
    Oct 22, 2021 at 07:08 PM

    My beautiful little sister, who I am so proud to have been a part of, even if for a short time..
    The free spirit you exuded shall be etched into my soul, your art of being so non-judgemental will be carried on,..you saw the good in everybody, and everything my girl, and could teach so many lessons in love..
    Fly high beautiful
    Fly high

    Your big sister,
    Marney

  5. Mary Chalifoux:
    Oct 22, 2021 at 07:36 PM

    My aunty Jen had a way of making everybody feel special, no matter who they were, although she was the most incredible person herself. She is one of the many reasons I’m so proud to be a Chalifoux and We will keep her memory and spirit alive by being kind and free spirited just like always she was. I love you whole heartedly Aunty and I’m so proud of you, until we meet again.
    Mary

  6. Leslie Sand:
    Oct 22, 2021 at 11:23 PM

    My deepest condolences to your family from all of mine. I was going through my Google photo album that goes back to 2015. Jen is in a good deal of pictures steady from then to somewhat recently earlier this year. Every picture her smile commands your attention almost as much as her hat or scarf or long flowing blouse that are also present in every single picture. In fact I don't have a memory of her that she isn't smiling even when she was bright siding some deeply troubling events in her life. I couldn't get her to be mad at situations and people who she had every right to be mad at. She would just wish them all the best and help where she could to make sure whatever or whoever had a safe and comfortable journey out of her life. I can't pinpoint exactly when she became an honorary member of my family but she will hold that spot as long as we walk this earth.

  7. Jackie:
    Oct 22, 2021 at 11:48 PM

    Such a beautiful soul. She was always smiling, laughing and always willing to help. So glad I got to work with such an amazing girl, she will be missed by many and loved always by others. Rest easy beautiful ❤️

  8. Hames Cathy:
    Oct 23, 2021 at 01:35 AM

    So sad to hear of Jen’s passing.
    May the good memories of her, bring you comfort. I know my Mom, got to know Jen more when she was in Nova Scotia. She was very impressed with her
    Helping her Grandmother, Margaret Geddes. Jen had a heart of gold. We were all blessed, to have known her.

  9. Marion Smith-Napier:
    Oct 23, 2021 at 03:27 PM

    I was so saddened by the passing of Jen this week. Will remember her so fondly with her beautiful smile and high energy. She would doll up her gramma with smart hip hair cut and outfit, resulting in her looking like a million. She would bundle her into her car for Halifax complete with a very up beat sound track for the road trip. Singing and laughing all the way. She would patiently see gramma thru all her appointments and then pop in fir a visit with Auntie Jean who always appreciated time with Jen and her sister. A bright light has gone out far too soon. Will always remember you Darling in your Ruby red 👠 shoes 😘

  10. Audree & Russell Smith:
    Oct 26, 2021 at 08:11 PM

    Sending condolences of Love an Strength ...Lori so very sorry to hear of your loss ..Jennifer . may your good memories help you at this time ...Hugs hun ..

  11. Debbie Cooke:
    Oct 27, 2021 at 06:06 PM


    It’s hard to believe a week has passed. Jen you entered our hearts at the age of 19, became our daughter and grew to become a wonderful caring mother to Ryder.

    There are many memories to treasure and share. Those heart pumping crazy cheering times for all sports we attended watching Ryder. Your flair for decorating and planning many occasions. We still have those cool T-shirts you designed for the Hill-Billy Hustle and the Golden Easter Egg Trophy with all that glitter. We cooked various things together but most recently the chocolate zucchini cake with all that delicious icing that Ryder dove into after football.

    Life is never easy and there are many roads we travel. For Jen and the rest of us there was only one road to follow and that was Ryder’s road. Jen always made sure Ryder was safe, loved and encouraged him to enjoy many of life’s opportunities. Jen could often be heard yelling “Go Ryder!” at his sports events. Jen also inspired Ryder to do well in school while she was completing her studies in Nova Scotia.

    Jen you will always be a special person with a huge heart and you will be forever missed by all.

    Love Deb and Doug

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