Obituary of Sister Veronica Cooke

Sister Veronica Cooke, CSJ

The Congregation of the Sisters of St. Joseph announces the peaceful death of Sister Veronica Cooke in the care centre of the Sisters of St. Joseph, 485 Windermere Road, London, Ontario on September 2, 2022.

Elizabeth Veronica Cooke was born on July 28, 1926, in Newcastle, Moynalty, Kells, County Meath, Ireland. As a professional woman, she emigrated to the United States and subsequently travelled to Canada where she was received into the Congregation of the Sisters of St. Joseph on August 25, 1962. 

She is remembered with affection by her CSJ Sisters, much loved siblings Mary Travers, Ramona Mulligan, and Sister Annette Cooke, RSM and many nieces and nephews.    

Predeceased by her parents Patrick and Mary (Carolan) Cooke, siblings Hugh and Patrick Cooke, Breda Maloney, Sheila Gouldson, and Sister Monica (Ella) Cooke, RSM.

In 1965, Sister Veronica was missioned to Cayalti, Peru where for 15 years she immersed herself in parish ministry and outreach to the poor. In 1977, she returned to Canada, completed formal training in pastoral care at Toronto Western Hospital and became part of the pastoral care team at St. Joseph’s Hospital, London.  In 1986, she moved to Dundas Ontario, and continued her ministry of pastoral care at St. Joseph’s Villa. Returning to London in 1994, she lived in an inner-city housing complex where she was a supportive, listening presence to community members.  In all her undertakings, Veronica’s love of God and the dear neighbour was always evident.

Sister Veronica was an independent woman with a wry sense of humour. She took delight in listening to classical music, stimulating discussions and the companionship of her Sisters in community. She was an avid walker, interacting daily with the people she met enroute to St. Peter’s Basilica.  She possessed an inquiring mind and enjoyed the challenge of intellectual pursuits. Later in life, despite failing eyesight, she kept close contact with family, bravely undertaking annual solo visits home to Ireland.

 All services will be held at the Sisters of St. Joseph Residence, 485 Windermere Road, London, Ontario.  Visitation will be Monday, September 5, 2022, from 2:30 – 4:30pm, and from 7:00 – 8:00pm with a prayer service at 6:30pm. Mass of Christian Burial on Tuesday, September 6, 2022 at 10:00am with Father Tom Janisse presiding. Interment to follow at St. Peter’s Cemetery, London, Ontario at a later date.

Funeral Mass will be livestreamed at www.csjcanada.org/funeralvcooke

Please note visitors are required to show proof of triple vaccination and a piece of photo identification when being screened at Reception.  Visitors will also be given a Rapid Antigen Test and must wait 15 minutes before proceeding into the Residence. Masks are required.

Expressions of sympathy or donations to the works of the Congregation in memory of Sister Veronica Cooke may be made at www.csjcanada.org