My name is Cathy Coolen and I left this life on Monday, January 29, 2018 as a result of cancer. Please know that I passed away counting my blessings and with the love of my family and friends. I began life in Halifax in 1953, graduated from the Queen Elizabeth High and in much later years from St. Mary’s University. Education has always been a key element to me and I made a point of learning something new every year; sometimes it was an academic course, other times, just something just for fun. I have been employed over the years with Eatons, MTT/Aliant, CGI, ITI, NSCC and NS Dept of Justice. My most rewarding position; however, has been that of wife and mother. I have always been grateful to have had the opportunity to have both roles. Throughout my life, volunteer work has also been important to me. I have filled numerous roles in church, in school, and in the community. The most humbling was that in Palliative Care. Most recently, I have been a mentor to women facing breast cancer treatments. Other interests include traveling and seeing the world with my best friend and partner, Larry; motorcycling in various parts of Canada and the USA, reading, boating and other ocean activities, writing, party planning, amateur photography, scrapbooking and spending time with my wonderful children. I grieve to leave my 2 children and their partners, Dennis and Twyla, Elizabeth and Blaine, who have all given me such joy. I especially grieve to leave behind my grandchild, Mila. They were all angels, my reason to live and they know I will be with them always. In addition, I leave behind my Newfoundland family that I am so thankful to have known. I will miss my many friends, especially Lynn and Margie who have always been such a great part of my life and my sisters-by-choice for many years. My newest friends, Colleen, Janette & Brenda, have also proven to be a great joy for the brief time I have known them and have quickly become sisters-by-choice also. And, of course, I cannot forget to thank Bev and Brian Higgins for all that they have done for our family. Remember me at coffee time my friends (and don’t forget the Baileys). I go ahead to meet with my Dad, Edgar, who went before me in January, 2001; my sister, Tina, who left us in November 2006 and my mom Cluda who departed the earth in May 2014. I am so sorry to leave my life but know that it has been a complete one – one that I departed from, counting the innumerable blessings of wonderful parents and children, a loving family, dear friends, and neighbors and a one in a million husband, knowing no regrets. But although I will miss all of these wonderful people, I am also very excited. You see, I am going to see my true love; my husband, Larry, who I have missed so very much since he passed in March 2017. All of the things on my bucket list, and many extras, have been achieved with him by my side. May you all be so blessed!! My family and I thank you for all your kindness during this time. My last request is that you look after my family for just a little while longer until their grief becomes bearable. If you wish to remember me by donating to good works, may I suggest the Chemotherapy Unit or Journey Room at South Shore Regional Hospital, Bridgewater or the Palliative Care Unit at the VGH. My earthly body has been cremated. By my request, there will be no visitation and a private committal service. I ask that on the fifth day following my death, that you wear yellow, my favorite color and the color representing life and joy. And today, do something special for someone you don’t know. I thank each of you for what you added to my life on earth. I know I will see you on the other side, my family and friends.

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