Obituary of Velda Cochrane

After a lengthy battle with Parkinson’s Disease, Velda Cochrane passed away peacefully on Thursday, June 17, 2021 at St. Mary’s Hospital at the age of 85. Beloved wife of Bruce for 63 years. Loving mother of Douglas (Ardith), Sharon Schwegler (Peter), Bradley (Edith) and Leanne Hagarty (Stephen). Sadly missed by grandchildren Rebecca, Kirsten, Mark, Grace, Amy, Clayton, Ryan and Sara, and great-grandson Grayson. Predeceased by her parents Reuben and Hazel Schaus, infant sister Elaine, and infant grandson Kurt Schwegler. Survived by brothers Gerald and Robert. Velda was born in Palmerston, Ontario, enjoyed school, singing in the choir and chasing her brothers and cousins. She trained as a nurse at Brantford General Hospital and met Bruce through nursing classmates in the spring of 1956. They were married on Sept. 14, 1957 and she worked at BGH until she started a family. Once all the children were in school, she helped manage Bruce’s Imperial Oil agency. In 1982, she attended McMaster University to upgrade her nursing qualifications and then worked as an Occupational Nurse at Levi Strauss in Brantford. It was a bustling household with four active children, a big flower and vegetable garden, and a swimming pool. However, Velda thrived in such conditions and somehow found time to bake wonderful pies, cakes and cookies and sew clothes for herself and the children. When the grandchildren arrived, she loved reading, making crafts and taking them on fun daytrips. Velda was also a very dedicated volunteer in her community and church. Some of the most notable contributions she made include: 4H Leader, Sunday School Teacher, Meals on Wheels Coordinator (20 years), Committee Chair for church sponsored Vietnamese Refugee family, Lung Association President, Co-Chair of St. Paul’s United Church Operation Access renovation that provided barrier free accessibility, Lansdowne Children’s Centre Volunteer, Letter Writer for church sponsored Foster Children (30 years) and Palliative Care Volunteer. She was truly happiest when she was caring for and helping others. Velda and Bruce were fortunate to enjoy several nice vacations: many happy winters in Victoria, B.C. as well as other excursions throughout Canada and the U.K., Europe, Alaska, Australia and New Zealand. She put great care into making detailed photo albums and in recent years when she was not able to travel, she spent many hours reviewing them. While the last few years were challenging, Velda found solace in reading, listening to music and talking with her friends and family. Sincere thanks to the staff at Winston Park Long Term Care and the St. Mary’s Hospital Palliative team. A private family service will be held at the BECKETT-GLAVES FAMILY FUNERAL CENTRE, Brantford, 519-752-4331. Interment Paris Cemetery.  As expressions of sympathy, donations to the Parkinson Society Southwestern Ontario or St. Paul’s United Church, Paris. Donations, condolences and a live funeral webcast are available online at www.beckettglaves.com. A tree will be planted in memory of Velda in the Beckett-Glaves Memorial Forest.