Obituary of Thelma Cook

COOK, Thelma – Age 90, of Bridgewater, passed away on April 7^th, 2018 in the South Shore Regional Hospital, Bridgewater. Thelma was the daughter of Raymond and Jessie Hadley and had five sisters: Anna (Bill Adams), Sadie (Tommy Gordon), Ona (Kenny Morrison), Ethel (Hazen Bezanson) and Florence (Hector MacKenzie); and two brothers: Charles (Eleanor Allan) and Edward (Christine Gibson). Due to the circumstances of the times and the passing of her mother, she was adopted by Jim and Isabel Doyle and spent her childhood in Sydney. She graduated from St. Francis Xavier University and married Bill Sperdakes in 1949. Together they had one daughter, Donna Pagé, and ran a number of successful business ventures, including candy shops and a women’s apparel store called the Charm Shop in downtown Bridgewater. Bill Sperdakes passed away in 1975 and Thelma continued running the Charm Shop. In 1978, Thelma married Harry Cook and became stepmother to Tina Blinn, Charles Cook and Brian Cook. They enjoyed 40 years of marriage together and celebrated many achievements and happy moments, including the birth of a number of grandchildren and great grandchildren.  After selling her business in the late 1980’s, she and Harry enjoyed spending time at the cottage at Fancy Lake and socializing with many friends and family. They also enjoyed travelling, including spending time in Anna Maria Island in Florida and abroad visiting her daughter and family in many parts of Canada, US and Europe. As many of her friends and family would comment, Thelma had a true sense of style and was always dressed to the nines. Despite being diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease, Thelma was resilient and had an optimistic and positive outlook on life and never lost her sense of humor. She was fortunate to have celebrated her 90^th birthday surrounded by family and friends. Thelma remained in the comfort of her home, cared for by her loving husband Harry, daughter Tina and husband Donnie, other family members and caregivers until the last week of her life, when she was given outstanding care at the South Shore Regional Hospital. Funeral arrangements are under the care and direction of C.F. Sweeny’s Funeral Home, Bridgewater, where a visitation will be held from 7-9 p.m. with prayers at 8 p.m. on Tuesday, April 10^th, 2018. A funeral mass will be celebrated at 11 a.m. on Wednesday, April 11^th, 2018 in St. Joseph’s Roman Catholic Church, Bridgewater, Father Jim MacDonald officiating. An interment will be held at a later date. Family flowers only please. Memorial donations may be made to the Parkinson’s Society of Canada, South Shore Regional Hospital or a charity of one’s choice. Online condolences may be made by visiting www.sweenysfuneralhome.com.