EILEEN OLIVE FELESKY (NEE COOKE), CWAC, RN

May 31, 1924 ~ March 17, 2019

We give thanks for the life of our treasured mother, Eileen “Billie” Felesky who passed away peacefully at home on Sunday, March 17, 2019, at the age of 94 years. We will miss her gentle soul, loving words of wisdom and sense of humour. Mum’s cherished memory will remain in the hearts of her children: Nadine Felesky (Bruce Laflamme), Warren Felesky (Nancy Mann) and Tanis (Patrick) Lockert; grandchildren, Ryan Felesky (Linda Korbyl), Tanner Felesky, Geena Felesky, Spencer Lockert and Jamin Lockert (Alison Dickson); great-grandchildren, Rylan and Reid Felesky and their mother, Shawna Felesky; numerous nieces and nephews as well as her classmate, faithful friend and confidant, Dorothy Hope. Our family is eternally grateful to Mum’s loving caregiver, Teresa Alocada, mahal ka namin lahat. Mum was predeceased by her husband, Harry; her parents, Florence (Dutton) and Edgar Cooke; sisters and brothers-in-law, Doreen (Cecil) Sangster and Kathleen (Vernon) Foss. Mum was born on a very cold day in Medicine Hat on May 31, 1924, and raised and educated in Redcliff, Alberta. She often reflected on her wonderful childhood growing up above their family grocery store, the freedom to ride a bicycle on the open prairie, walking to the river, swimming in the pool which was a foundation of a building that never materialized, knowing all the Redcliff neighbours and citizens, and the safety and security of a small community. At the age of 18, Mum enlisted in the Canadian Woman’s Army Core (CWAC) and served in the Code and Cypher Unit in Ottawa from 1942-1945. Upon discharge in 1946, Mum attended SAIT in Calgary. She then entered Nurses Training at the Medicine Hat General Hospital where she received her RN in 1951 with the award for General Proficiency. Mum and Dad were married in 1951. After working a few years as an RN as Head Nurse on Flat Two, Mum chose to stay home to raise her three children. We were so fortunate for her tender loving care. She was always there to heal our wounds, listen to our problems and offer sound advice. Mum’s words of wisdom will resonate forever: “Be honest and true to yourself and others.” Mum returned to work for several years at the Dr. Dan McCharles Auxillary Hospital as Head Nurse. After retirement, Mum served as a volunteer at the Medicine Hat Regional Hospital Gift Shop. Mum was an active member of the Nurse’s Alumnae, Ex-Service Women’s Group and monthly CNIB meetings. She looked forward to her weekly phone calls with her devoted sisters. The happy and peaceful times spent at the Elkwater cabin with family and friends were cherished. Mum had a wonderful sense of humour, was quick witted and always had a come back for those who dared to take her on. We wish to especially thank Kathy, Pam and Suzy Q for keeping Mum beautiful; Dr. Jani, PCN Cathy and all the doctors at Healthworx; mobile lab technicians, Karen and Sandy; as well as her housekeeper, Karen…. it truly takes a village. Those wishing to pay their respects may do so at Cook Southland Funeral Chapel, 901 – 13 Street S.W., Medicine Hat on Friday, March 22, 2019, from 7:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. A Celebration of Billie’s Life will be held at Cook Southland Funeral Chapel on Saturday, March 23, 2019, at 2:00 p.m. with Reverend David Pollard officiating. Memorial donations in Billie’s memory may be made to the Medicine Hat & District Health Foundation c/o Education, 666 – 5 Street S.W., Medicine Hat, AB., T1A 4H6. (Condolences may be expressed by visiting our website at www.cooksouthland.com) Honoured to serve the family is

Cook Southland Funeral Chapel, 901 – 13th Street S.W. Medicine Hat, Alberta T1A 4V4 Phone 403-527-6455