Obituary of Paulette Blanche Cooper

With sadness in our hearts, the family of Paulette Blanche Cooper announces her passing on December 28th, 2012. Prayer Service will be held Tuesday, January 1st, 2013 ~ 7:30 pm from the Our Lady of the Sacred Heart R.C. Church in Big River, Saskatchewan. Mass of Christian Burial will be held Wednesday, January 2nd, 2013 ~ 2:00 pm from the Our Lady of the Sacred Heart R.C. Church in Big River, Sk. Immediately following the service, the family wish to invite you for a time of lunch and fellowship in the Big River Community Hall. A private interment will be held at the Big River Cemetery at a later date. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to Our Lady of the Sacred Heart Parish, Big River; the Big River Community Center or the Lakewood Lodge Auxiliary. Paulette will be lovingly remembered by: her husband of 50 years, Garry of Big River, SK. Her son Lee Cooper, daughter-in-law Shelley and their Children Brooklyn and Talbot of Red Deer, AB. Daughter Tammy, son-in-law Garnet Wood and their children Anthony, Kale and Dana of Saskatoon, SK. Daughter Corrine, son-in-law Calvin Smith and their children Hillory, Wesley and Quinn of Debden, SK. Her siblings, Pauline (Felix) Sanche of Saskatoon, SK.; Linda (Ted) Mazurkewich of Shellbrook, SK.; Lorraine (Glenn) Padbury of Saskatoon, SK; Neil (Johanne) Otte of Big River. SK and Carol (Terry) Krienke of Big River, SK. As well as numerous nieces, nephews and friends. Paulette was predeceased by her parents George and Antoinette Otte and her mother and father-in-law Tony and Belle Cooper. Paulette was born to George and Antoinette Otte in Big River, SK, on December 23rd, 1942, and 5 minutes later, her twin and best friend, Pauline was born on December 24th. The oldest of six children, Paulette spent her entire life in Big River. Her early years were spent playing with her siblings and cousins on the family farm. Growing up on the farm with a large family meant there was always a lot of work. As she grew, Paulette also kept house for neighbours and worked with her dad at the butcher shop in Godin’s store. At the age of 13, Paulette started playing the organ at church, which she continued for the next 55 years. In her high school years she enjoyed all sports but developed a special interest in curling. In her Grade 12 year her team was especially competitive making it all the way to the Northern play downs. Paulette loved to dance. When she discovered a young man, Garry Cooper, whose footwork matched well with her own, they lit up the dance floor as often as possible. After graduating high school, Paulette worked as a nurse’s aide in the Big River Union Hospital. Garry and Paulette were married in September of 1962. A family soon followed, three children in three years; Lee, Tammy and Corrine. Paulette took great pride in caring for her family, her home, and all family related activities. Garry and Paulette spent many weekends curling and passed the love of the game onto their children. Paulette also curled competitively in Ladies Curling, making it as far as the Northern Finals in 1975. Summers included many hours of gardening with weekends spent camping at Nesslin Lake. There are many wonderful memories of camp cooked meals, trips to the beach and sitting around the campfire with family and friends. As the kids got older, Paulette decided to try her hand in the workforce, becoming a teacher’s aide at the Elementary school, eventually working at the Big River High School for many years. It was during these years that she developed a love for fishing, with herself, Garry and family members becoming fixtures at Hackett Lake during the summer months. Winter escapes were also important and many enjoyable warm vacations were taken. Paulette loved her 8 grandchildren very much and especially enjoyed watching them in their various activities. As a family, the Coopers have enjoyed many great meals prepared in Paulette’s kitchen. Paulette has fought a long battle with cancer. Always remaining positive and expecting to win. Anyone who met her throughout her treatment was easily fooled by her strength and her smile. Email condolences will be forwarded to the family. Delores Beaulac entrusted with arrangements.