Growing up in Welling, Alta., with her parents, Leonard and Myrtle Mehew, she was the middle of nine children. Her siblings affectionately gave her the nickname of “Cookie” when she was just an infant, due to apparently looking like “Cookie from the comics.”

Cookie attended Magrath High School, where she was a basketball player and cheerleader. In May 1961, she graduated from Lethbridge Junior College in business education, which she was always very proud of.

At 19 years old, Cookie married her sweetheart, Wayne, on Oct. 5, 1961. They lived in Lethbridge for a few years, then settled in Pincher Creek, where they raised three children: Pattie (Rick) Pilling, Joanne (Wayne) Oliver, and Jeff Christensen (Deena).

Throughout her life, she was an active member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Her service included her callings within the presidencies of the Primary and Relief Society.

She worked as an oil and gas site administrator for over 30 years, which she thoroughly enjoyed. She with her husband loved skidooing, motorcycling as well as camping with her family. After retirement, Cookie and Wayne became snowbirds, spending several months per year in Palm Desert, Calif.

She was an avid collector of different types of ornamental items. Her collections brought joy and delight to her heart and well-cared-for home. She loved her plants. She was a longtime gardener, even winning town awards.

What she is ultimately known for was her love of people — longtime friends and casual acquaintances. Even speaking with nurses in the hospital, she would know their history within the hour. She was a very kind woman with a great sense of humour; she could put a smile on anyone’s face.

Always making everyone feel welcome who crossed her path, she lit up everyone’s day who had the privilege of interacting with her at any given time. Her love of people was truly unconditional. This undoubtedly made her loved by all.

She was particularly close to her six sisters. They had a beautiful relationship and knew they could always rely on each other. Thank heavens for unlimited long distance!

It is a blessing and an honour to call Cookie “wife,” “mother,” “sister,” “gramma,” “aunt” or “friend.” She will be missed.

A funeral service was held on Saturday, Nov. 27, 2021, at the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in Pincher Creek.

Memorial donations may be made to the Windy Slopes Health Foundation, PO Box 2554, Pincher Creek, AB, T0K 1W0.

Condolences may be sent through www.edensfuneralhome.com.

Funeral arrangements entrusted to Eden’s Funeral Home

403-627-3131     www.edensfuneralhome.com