Obituaries

Dear Gerri, Jill and Tricia, I was so sorry to read that your mom had died. I met your mom and dad and you three in Minnedosa. Our parents ( mine - Bob and Shelagh Hinch) were great friends and I babysat all of you. I recall getting my first bouquet from Dianne on my 16th birthday and a beautiful candle for grade 12 graduation. Dianne helped me with essays in my first year of university. I have many good memories of belly laughs from times spent with the Coopers. I have been thinking of all of you and hope you get this. Barb

Dianne Cooper was an inspiration at Fort Garry United church to me, and all who witnessed her tireless devotion to church activities. Whenever Dianne was around, you knew things were getting done! She led by example, she served with grace and determination, and we all will miss her shining presence forever.

I was part of the 2 week tour to Nicaragua with Diane Cooper back in 1986. I was 18 years old. It was a short and intense sojourn into a War Zone. Her persona – clear, direct with an unassuming and natural compassion made a lasting impact on me. I will remember that when she spoke with me, she had a way of making me feel like I was the most interesting thing to her at that moment. A special person indeed. My condolences to her family. Dr. Duncan Schellenberg Montreal, Québec

Dear Geri, Jill and Tricia❤️I am so sad for each of you that Your Dear Mother left the Earth to go to Heaven earlier than You expected. My heart goes out to You and to Your Whole Beautiful Family. 💕I see the Light and Beauty of Diane in Each of You.✨Joy Murphy

The news of your Mother's death, while no longer immediate, has nevertheless been uppermost in our minds these last few weeks. She was one of the few people in one's life who walked the talk, worked diligently on behalf of her beliefs and always with time to care for those around her. She had a wonderful sense of mischief and she and your Dad were the very first people who shared Nancy's birth. She will be mightily missed by everyone who knew her - family, friends, neighbours and work mates. She and your dad will live in our hearts forever. We are sharing your sadness. Helen and Keith Black

I was blessed to work with Diane during my 8 years of ministry at Fort Garry United Church. Diane's tireless passion for social justice and boundless compassion for all human beings shaped me and my ministry deeply. I am forever grateful for all the words she spoke, all the things she did for the church and the wider community, and all that who she was - kind, welcoming, inviting, intelligent, caring, considerate, humorous, down-to-earth, and straight forward. Diane was truly a beautiful human being inside and out. The light she carried throughout her life will continue to be carried by all of us, who have been influenced by this wonderful life well lived. I will remember Diane fondly with a kind of smile she gave me. My heart goes out to her beloved family and the congregation of Fort Garry UC.