Josephine (Joey) Cook
passed away in Victoria General Hospital, May 6, 2017, age 89.
We are sad to announce the passing our our sweet and loving mother. Joey was born to Pasquale and Nicolina DiVirgilio, on June 17, 1927, into a large, fun loving Italian family. Joey shared many fond memories of her childhood and she adored her two brothers and five sisters. Her parents shared their love of Opera, which Joey continued to enjoy her entire life. She had a strong voice and often broke into song. Joey learned to play cards around the kitchen table, before she could walk.
She loved raising a large family of six children and had a passion for gardening, was an avid reader and enjoyed playing Mahjong. She spent her last 35 years in Victoria where she took courses and returned to the work force. Her favourite job was working at the health food store where she was a sponge for knowledge. Joey lived a clean life with plenty of fresh air and exercise. She would get swept up in the busseling downtown foot traffic for hours. Her last 5 years were spent at Jesken Aerie, Assisted Living Home where she formed another family with many of the residents and care givers. While a resident there she enjoyed attending exercise classes, and weekly opera movies. She read aloud short stories to the residents, and teamed up with Michael who would scour his large library for appropirate reading material. Thank you to all the staff for looking after dear Joey.
Our wee Joey was a strong and caring soul, with a very positive attitude and a wonderful sense of humour. A special thank you to Marcella for sharing your big heart. Joey will be dearly missed by her children Carl (Theresia) Cook, Lissa Nirup (Bill) Barnum, Tamara (Mark) Nemeth, Diana (Dave) Mills, Adrienne (Pete) Brosch, Lance (Haydee) Cook and her loving grandchildren Nigel, Rylan, Amat, Kelsey, Brent, Kristen, Laura, Tony, Mathew and Alysha. Joey was predeceased by her brothers, Ralph and Tony and her sister Alice. Survived by her amazing sisters, Ann, Linda, Loretta and Mary and her large extended family in Ontario.
鈥淟OVE YOU MORE鈥�
A celebration of life will be held by family in Victoria.
Memorial donations may be made to the Heart & Stroke Foundation.
Please join us in remembering Joey by visiting our memorial guestbook at www.piercysmtwashingtonfuneral.com.