Iris May Cook

Iris Cook passed away peacefully with her daughters by her side on January 5, 2023 at Stensrud Lodge in Saskatoon. She was 98 years old. Iris was born in 1924 in Pleasantdale, Sask before her family moved to Brancepeth, Sk where her parents bought the general store. Iris and her sister Marjorie and her parents lived next door to the store until it was sold in 1939 and the family moved to a small farm near Brancepeth. After high school, Iris attended Normal School in Saskatoon, training to be a teacher. At the age of 18, she began teaching in various one room schoolhouses in rural Saskatchewan until she married Edgar Cook, a farmer in Birch Hills, Sask in 1948. Busy years as a farmer's wife and raising four daughters followed. From a young age, Iris had a gift and love of music, singing and playing the piano and organ. She shared that gift by teaching piano and organ lessons, playing at Birch Hills United Church and singing in the choir. She also volunteered for Camp Tapawingo and in the Sunshine Club.

In 1982, Iris and Ed retired from farm life and moved to Prince Albert. Iris spent many active years in volunteer work there. At their church, St. Paul's Presbyterian, Iris played the pipe organ and led the choir. She also spent 25 years with "Iris and Friends" as she played the piano and led singalongs for the long stay residents of Victoria Union Hospital. Iris also took social work classes, and volunteered as a visitor with the palliative care program. She also enjoyed curling and singing for many years with the Watsonairs. Iris was a speaker with the Christian Women's Club and their Friendship Bible Coffees.

After Ed passed away in 2008, Iris moved to McClure Place in Saskatoon to be closer to her daughters. Iris made many new friends at McClure from 2009 - 2016 and continued to use her piano talents there until her health led to her move to Stensrud Lodge in 2016. Even there, her music skills were very appreciated, as she continued to play the piano beautifully by ear.

Iris will be deeply missed by daughter Donna (Ian) McLeod and grandsons Brendan (Julia), Michael (Briana), and Jamie (Jenna); son-in-law Dwayne Dalton and grandchildren Matthew, Shawn, Anna (Lance), and Jeff (Leah); daughter Connie (Barry) Friesen and grandchildren Dustin (Katherine), Tamara (Shawn), Kelly (Valerie) and Kendrew; and daughter Holly (Brian) McHolm and grandchildren Chris (Tessa) and Tasha (Jordan). Iris also enjoyed 22 great grandchildren, and a host of close extended family members and special friends over her 98 years of life. Iris was predeceased by her husband Ed, daughter Joy, granddaughter Noelle and sister Marjorie.

A Celebration of Iris' Life will be held at 2:00 pm on Wednesday, January 11, 2023 at Windsor Chapel (704 Windsor Street, Saskatoon). Arrangements entrusted to Travis Minor. Donations in Iris' memory may be made to Jubilee Residences Foundation (jubileeresidences.ca) in appreciation for the loving and compassionate care provided to Iris by Stensrud Lodge staff.