Cochrane: Vona (Muir) passed away peacefully with family by her side on Sunday, August 23. 2020 at Brandon Fairview Personal Care Home at the age of 91. Predeceased by her husband, Ken, in 2007, Vona is survived by her 3 daughters Kerry (Wes Dane), Diane (Duncan Grant), Lorrie (Ian Dyer); 5 grandchildren Jeff Dane (Kelsy), Karla Dane (Justin Rabe), Danielle Laferriere (Jeremy), Chad Grant, Taryn Claeys (Cam); and 8 great grandchildren. She is also survived by her brother Bill Muir (Vera), sister-in-law Donalda Neufeld and brother-in-law Ossie Cochrane.
Vona was born in the Underhill area in December 1928. She attended Normal School in Winnipeg and began teaching in Minto in a one room school. She and Ken were married in 1953 and farmed in the Elgin district. She returned to teaching after their daughters were in school. She taught in several schools in the Souris Valley School Division.
In 1981, Ken & Vona moved to Wilnor Bay in Brandon. Following Ken’s death, she continued to live on Wilnor Bay until a move to Riverheights Terrace. Thank you to the staff and residents there who made those years so enjoyable for her. In 2018, she moved to Fairview. Thank you to the staff there for their care & compassion.
Vona loved to organize, plan & decorate for events such as Elgin Skating Club Carnivals, Normal School & family reunions. She was an avid bird watcher with a pair of binoculars handy at all times. She was involved in many organizations in both Elgin & Brandon. She was a member of the Order of the Eastern Star for 70 years. Vona loved to garden, camp & travel. She always took an interest in the lives of friends, family & neighbors, keeping her daughters updated on everyone’s news.
A private graveside service will be held in accordance with Covid – 19 restrictions.
In memory of Vona, donations may be made to the Elgin Cemetery Fund c/o Municipality of Grassland Box 399, Hartney, MB R0M 0X0
Kerry,Diane,Lorrie and families;
Sorry to hear about your Mom. My memories of her…a busy woman who liked things “just so”. She always had a big smile and a big hello whenever she met you on the street. You will all miss her but memories are forever! Darryl, Cherilyn and Grant Jackson
We are sorry to hear of your mom’s passing. I remember her as being a true lady. Cherish your memories….Doug and Cathy Cowan
Our condolences to Vona’s passing. She was always friendly with a big smile. Murray’s mother was a Lougheed and a cousin of Ken’s mother. May precious memories flood your hearts as you say goodbye to your mum.
Murray and Shirley Brown
To the Cochrane Girls – I am sorry to hear that you have lost your mom and grandma. She was such a lady in every sense of the word. Cherish the wonderful memories you have made with her over many years.
Jim and Lori Denbow
Kerry, Diane, Lorrie and Families, So sorry to hear of Aunt Vona’s passing. She was a lovely, gracious and a true LADY in every sense of the word. She has finally found peace. Those of us who were lucky enough to know her have been very fortunate. Take care of yourselves in these troubling times.
Sincere Sympathy, Gary and Vonda
Kerry, Diane and Lorrie – and families: I am grieved to hear about the loss of your mom Vona. I have fond memories of hanging out on the Cochrane farm (with one of the newest farmhomes due to the tornado in mid 60’s). She was a gracious lady and a team player (even when the Ladies Curling Club had their night of fun & games). She will be missed but we can certainly cherish the memories. Hugs!
We are truly sorry to hear of your mom’s passing. She was a kind and gracious person throughout our school years. Hope there is comfort in the good memories. Brad and Patty White.
So sorry to hear of your mom’s passing. May all your memories help you through this time.
Doug and Helen Fenwick
We, the members of the Westman Retired Educators Association, offer our sincere sympathy to Vona’s beloved family of whom she was so very proud. Vona was so appreciated for her sparkly personality, her positive outlook and her enthusiasm and creativity in providing wonderful table decorations for our luncheon events. We celebrate her time with us. May she Rest In Peace.
So sorry to hear of Vona’s passing. Vona was a great colleague, friend and advocate for students who didn’t necessarily find school easy. May your grieving at her parting stir lots of smiles and appreciation for the great upbringing Ken and Vona provided in the family friendly community of Elgin.
Sorry to hear of Vona’s passing. She was a lovely lady. We often visited her over her backyard fence when we were on our walks.
Kerry, Wes and family
Please accept our condolences on the loss of your mom .
Larry and Suzanne Clark
Wes & Kerry – So sorry for your loss. We are thinking of you at this sad and difficult time.
Dear Kerry, Diane and Lorrie,
We are deeply saddened to learn about Vona. She was a wonderful lady – warm, friendly, caring, fun and fun loving. She had a wonderful sense of humour. It was always a great visit when Ken and Vona came to Saskatoon. We shared many laughs over the years. We miss them.
Vona was organized and energetic. If you needed something organized efficiently and effectively, Vona was the perfect choice. She was full of energy and good ideas. She was not one to sit still and did not like to be idle. She liked to get things done. We would tease her and say that once she ran out of things to clean at Dianne’s, she was welcome to come to our house. We will always remember seeing her cleaning the inside of their exterior garage lights. Lord, if Vona says your windows need to be cleaned, just accept it and be ready for a thorough cleaning of the entire place.
It is difficult to lose your parent, no matter their age or yours. It is a sorrow for which no heart can be prepared. We hope you take some solace from the fact that she is no longer suffering.
“In one of [the] stars I shall be living. In one of them I shall be laughing. And so it will be as if all the stars were laughing when you look at the sky at night.”
The Little Prince – Antoine de Saint Exupery
There is sweetness in the laughter of all the stars and in the memories of those you love.
Our hearts and thoughts are with you at this difficult time.
With heartfelt sympathy,
Denis and Debra
Kerry , Wes and Family…sorry for your loss . Your Mother was a beautiful lady.
Whenever we saw her, she gave a friendly hello with a smile on her face.
I’m sure you’ll all miss her .
Gerry and Cheryl
With deepest sympathy to Vona’s family. We moved to Wilnor Bay in 1985, just down the street from Vona and Ken. We had many conversations over the years. Vona had a great personality and so much energy. She was a very classy lady.
Kevin and Susan Arran
Our sincerest condolences on the loss of your mother.
So sorry to hear of Vona’s death. We think of her often as she was truly a Wilnor Bay ambassador who took a great interest in neighbours old and new. We know that your hearts are all full of the best memories. She was a special lady and so very proud of her family.
Jill and Bob Lee
#58 Wilnor Bay
Kerry, Diane, Lorrie and families, We are sorry to hear of the loss of your mom and grandma. What great memories of spending time at her “new” home at Elgin!! Loved the neatness and order there!! The fun games and toys!! Your mom’s beautiful smile and genuine caring ways!! Those were “the good old days”. Take care you guys! ❤️ Cyril and Kate Druwe
Diane and Families
So deeply sorry to hear of your moms passing. She was a very Special Lady from Elgin. Always ready with a smile and kind words.
Deepest Sympathy
Betty Kirk (Funk)
Sorry to hear of Vona’s passing. A lot of fond memories of the past – from the McBurney families – Margaret, Shirley, Leona (Gillies) Garnet, Barb (Cameron).
We were so saddened to hear of Vona’s passing. Such a perfect lady with that ever ready smile.
Heaven will be so happy to have welcomed her. She will be ready for any job put in front of her.
Cherish all the wonderful and fun memories. Our message is a little late in coming but non the less sincere.
Clare and Bev Somersall
Kerry,Diane,Lorrie and families
Sending our sincere sympathy to you on the loss of your mom and grandma. She was a classy lady who could do it all! Working outside of the home plus spending many hours volunteering in the community. She was admired by many. Take comfort in all your precious memories.
Kerry may your Mum Rest in peace… Your Mum was an example of what Mum’s should be..
Kerry, Diana and Lorrie,
While months have gone by, I wish to offer my condolences on your Mom’s passing. Her warm smile and caring attitude each time we spoke over all the years will never be forgotten.
I have to add that while I had more direct contact with your Dad, Ken, through baseball and farming, I know that she was always a cheerleader for all of us, as well–even if she was a bit skeptical as to what we might be up to once in awhile (and usually for good reason).
She was always “interested” in how each of we “Elginites” were doing as our families and careers progressed. She cared genuinely for all of us.
I know you must miss her and I do too.
Take care and be safe in these Covid-19 times.
Larry Maguire