Cooke, Sister Madeline
The Grey sisters of the Immaculate Conception are saddened to announce the death of Sister Madeline Cooke (Sister St. Vincent de Paul), at the Pembroke Regional Hospital on Friday, August 14, 2026. Left to mourn are the members of her Religious Community, nieces Mary Cooke, Shirley (Patrick) Melvin, other nieces and nephews, and many friends. Predeceased by her parents, Thomas Cooke and Della Marie Critch, her sister, Marie Sauvé, and brothers, William, Donald, Gerald, Vincent, Kevin and John and life-long Newfoundland friend, Sister Joan Whalen, gsic. Sister Madeline was born in Grand Falls, Newfoundland, on October 14th, 1925. She entered the Community on November 10th, 1945, pronouncing final vows on August 1st, 1950. Graduating from St. Mary's School of Nursing in Sault Ste. Marie, in 1950, Madeline received her Registered Nursing certificate in 1951, and served in the Health Care profession in several locations; in Sault Ste. Marie; in St. Anthony's Hospital, Esterhazy, SK; St. Joseph's Hospital, Lestock, SK; Penetanguishene General Hospital in Ontario; and again in Sault Ste. Marie, where, after ministering in several departments, Sister Madeline undertook the position of Discharge Planner until her retirement in 1991. At this time, she was employed by the Hospital Finance Department and also served as a director on the General Hospital board. In 1995, she moved to the Motherhouse as Local Leader and in 2006 became one of the 30 Sisters to move into the newly built Caritas Residence on Deacon Street, where she continued to be a vibrant and dedicated member of her Grey Sister Community.
Sister Madeline (Maddy) celebrated her 100th Birthday on October 14, 2025. Some of her family came from Newfoundland to celebrate with her. She was proud of her Newfoundland culture and never lost the distinct accent. Sister Madeline carried so much of the history of the Grey Sisters in her knowledge and her heart. She was an avid reader which fed her curiosity, her sharp mind and keen interest in keeping abreast of everything from the Royal Family, Celebrities, the Pope and the Vatican, Politics as well as the staff and their families. Sister Madeline lived each day as a gift and was a gift to her Community, her family and to all who has the privilege to know her.
Visitation at Caritas Residence, 215 Deacon Street, Pembroke, ON, on Wednesday, August 19, 2026 at 9:30 am. Followed by Funeral Liturgy at 10:30 am.
Interment in St. Columba’s Cemetery.
Arrangements in the care of Murphy Funeral Home.
The LITURGY WILL BE LIVE STREAMED ON WEDNESDAY at 10:30 AM AND RECORDED FOR VIEWING LATER WEDNESDAY AFTERNOON. THE LINK IS BELOW THE OBITUARY.
Visitation
Wednesday, August 19, 2026
ON
Visitation at Caritas Residence, 215 Deacon Street, Pembroke, ON, on Wednesday, August 19, 2026 at 9:30 am.
Committal Service
ON
Interment in St.
