1942-2026
It is with great sadness and with broken hearts, the family of Sheila Dawn (Leavitt) Cooke, wife of Lewis E. Cooke of Back Bay NB, announce her passing at the Saint John Regional Hospital, Saint John NB on May 13, 2026. Born in Blacks Harbour NB on February 12, 1942, she was a daughter of the late Basil and Maria Leavitt.
A loving and devoted wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother and aunt, Sheila will be sadly missed by her husband and best friend of 65 years, Lewis Cooke of Back Bay NB; her children: Eric (Vicki Lynn) Cooke of Back Bay NB and Gwen French of the Philippines; her chosen daughter, Teresa Gainza of L’Etang NB; grandchildren: Michael (Bri) French, Erika (Joel) Muise and Shaun French; great-grandchildren: Michaela Muise, Ian Muise, Hunter Muise and Elias French; her sister-in-law: Marion Gadsby; special nephew: Gerald Cooke of Sussex NB and by several cousins.
In addition to her parents, Sheila was predeceased by her brother, Brian.
Prior to retirement, Sheila worked for many years with Connors Brothers. A true Christian woman, Sheila devoted much of her time to serving her Lord and taking care of others. She was a longtime, faithful member of Sea View Full Gospel Church in Back Bay where she was a Sunday School Teacher for over 33 years and was also active with the Ladies Missionaries, especially with the Missions to the Philippines. Her and Lewis enjoyed going for drives, going out to eat and meeting new friends along the way. Her love and devotion will be greatly missed but we take comfort in knowing she is with her Lord and we will see her again one day.
Arrangements in the care of the St. George Funeral Home (506-755-3533) 26 Portage Street, St. George NB. Resting at the Sea View Full Gospel Church, Back Bay NB with visiting on Saturday from 6-8 pm and on Sunday beginning at 12 Noon until service time. The service will be held at the church on Sunday at 2:00 pm with Rev. Paul Legere and Rev. Gordon Cooke officiating followed by the interment in Back Bay Community Cemetery. In Sheila’s memory, donations to the NB Heart & Stroke Foundation would be appreciated by the family.