COOKE, Geraldine (Nita) Annette (nee Burch)
1924-2010
Passed away on May 25, 2010. Predeceased by her husband, Edgar Douglas Cooke, she leaves behind four children – Michael, Alan, Nicholas, and Christine – and five grandchildren – Karen, Cameron, Rachael, Nitla and Ariel.
Born August 25, 1924 in Weston-Super-Mare, educated at University of Bristol, Nita and Edgar married on October 4, 1947. They immigrated to Canada in 1952 and made Edmonton their home for 52 years before moving to Comox in 2006.
Nita, in her prime, was a force to be reckoned with and she had a positive effect on the lives of many people. As a Girl Guide leader in her 30's and 40’s, she led two companies and eventually became the Northern Alberta Area Commissioner. In her 40's she obtained her Bachelor of Library Science from the University of Alberta. Nita became the Head Librarian of the Boreal Institute for Northern Studies, a special library dedicated to anything Northern. She also was a founding member of and a driving force behind Northern Libraries Colloquy, now called the Polar Libraries Colloquy, an international group of information specialists.
When she retired, she became involved with the U of Agers, a group of geriatric gymnasts. She also revived a childhood passion for tap-dancing and both of these activities led her to take part in several performances.
In 2007, Nita and Edgar celebrated their 60th wedding Anniversary. A loving and devoted couple, they continued to spend all their time together until Edgar’s passing in November 2008. Nita received excellent care from her companion, Pat, and the staff at the Casa Loma Senior’s Village in her final years.
There will be no service. At a later date, Mum and Dad’s ashes together will be spread at a location dear to their hearts.