COCKWILL, Eunice Myrtle 1922 – 2020

Eunice Cockwill of Vulcan, passed away at the Vulcan Community Health Centre Long Term Care Unit on January 17, 2020 at the age of 97 years. Eunice has gone to join William (Bill), her loving husband of 55 years.

Eunice was born March 16, 1922 in Herronton, Alberta and she was the second youngest child of John Green and Florence Garrod Green. Her siblings were Alice, Nellie, Clarence, Cecil, Elsie, Leila, Leonard, and her surviving sister Sara.

When Eunice was about nine she contracted osteomyelitis. Antibiotics were unavailable, treatment was surgery, fresh air and sunshine. Mom healed in the Holy Cross Hospital. This disease left Mom with several large scars, and one leg shorter that the other. Once antibiotics were available she was cured.

Eunice went to Normal School, after her high school completion. After one year of education she was a qualified teacher. Her first school was in Drayton Valley, so far from home. At 17 years old she was teaching grades one through eight.

Mom met William (Bill) Cockwill at Walter Steiners Barn Dance. They were married May 21, 1948 and began their farming life on a farm south of Arrowwood in the Buffalo Hills.

Mom made the best apple pies, and she must have invented slow cooking. Working outside all morning and she would come in to perfect roast or spareribs all ready. Gary and I invited Mom and Dad to Wyndham Park for a steak supper and campfire. If any of you have tried to cook with wet briquettes, you know it can’t be done. After about 45 minutes of unresponsive briquettes, Dad said Eunice better bring out your stew. We sat down to delicious stew at our campsite. Dad never could understand why people wanted to camp.

Mom loved the farm, the crocuses and pussy willows were always her favourites. When her sight deteriorated, she could feel the softness of them both.

Mom and Dad enjoyed the Arrowwood, Eastway, and Vulcan communities. Mom was a Brownie leader, “Tawny Owl”, for several years. They took part in 4-H, school basketball, anything that was children related. I remember going into Arrowwood for a Christmas Concert in a blizzard. Never was suggested we stay home!

Mom was a accomplished knitter. She knitted baby blankets by the dozen and afghans for all her grandchildren. She found it hard when her sight declined and she was no longer able to knit or read. However, she could still watch curling and football. She never missed a Stampeders game.

We know everyone who knew Mom would agree she was a special lady. Mom was so proud of her family and she loved being a Grandmother, Great Grandmother and Auntie Eunice. Mom leaves behind to remember all the good times, daughter Betty and Gary. Grandchildren Grant & Esther, Ian & Jaye, Lesley & Chris, Great Grandchildren Emily, Amy, Kiley, Caity, Ava, Olivia, Logan Mitchell, Emmett, and Connor, all her nieces and nephews and their families who Mom loved as her own. We love you Mom, Grandma, Great Grandma and Auntie Eunice.

A Memorial Gathering to share stories will be held Thursday, January 23, 2020 from 1 to 3 pm at the Vulcan Lodge Hall (231 Centre St). Inurnment Vulcan Cemetery at a later date.

Eunice’s family extend our heartfelt gratitude to the caring staff of the Vulcan Community Health Centre, who cared for Eunice like a family member.

Any tributes in Eunice’s memory may be made to the Vulcan Community Health Centre Long Term Care Unit, Box 299, Vulcan, AB T0L 2B0.

Arrangements in care of Vulcan Funeral Home. Telephone 1-403-485-2633. E-mail condolences through www.vulcanfuneralhome.ca.