It is with the most profound sadness we announce the passing of Germaine Coo (née O'Neill) at Royal Victoria Hospital in Barrie on Sunday, December 31st, 2023. This unexpected catastrophic event was the result of a massive blood hemorrhage in the brain, which began in the early hours of Friday, December 29th.
Germaine, age 66, leaves behind a very large close and loving family, and a wide circle of close, professional and group friends.
Germaine was the beloved wife in a 41-year marriage to Doug Coo, which produced son William "Billy", daughters Alison Gregory (Alex) and Taryn Aitken (Dylan). She was a warm, loving, very active grandmother in the lives of Briar and Wellington Gregory, Faith Holland, Peyton Novoa, Stellan and Eleanor Aitken. She also leaves behind brothers John (Sandy), Luke (Kelly) and Mark (Julie) and numerous nieces and nephews. She is predeceased by her brother, Bill O'Neill, sisters Mary Hedges (George) and Joan "Cookie" Hall (Wayne), and her beloved parents, Bill and Joan O'Neill.
An elementary school teacher for 23 years, Germaine was beloved. She was known for her warmth and dedication to her students, many volunteer activities in school and unwavering professional dedication, achieving "Elementary Teacher of the Year" in 2016, with her role in the Simcoe Muskoka Catholic District School Board.
After her retirement as a teacher in 2016, Germaine continued to busy herself with numerous community organizations as a dedicated volunteer, which included The Stephen Lewis Foundation's "Grandmothers to Grandmothers" program, The Red Cross, and "Meals on Wheels". Germaine was also a frequent contributor to Barrie's David Busby Centre, and participated joyfully in a well-known community choir, "Shout Sister".
As a parishioner at St. John Vianney Catholic Church, Germaine served for a number of years as the "Baptism Coordinator" and planned and hosted a multicultural fair. One of her proudest achievements: she planned and sponsored the bringing to Barrie a Syrian refugee family, to safety in a new home in partnership with the Church and Federal Government. She then continued close contact with this family which developed into a friendship.
In her retirement she resolved to take on new experiences and travel. A highlight occurred in 2019, where Germaine assisted a St. John Vianney Church trip to Israel for their Youth Group, for purposes of spiritual growth and education. A typical example of her community involvement.
For all those who knew her: peers, good friends (Vera N, and her dinner date club), neighbours, social group acquaintances (many of whom became friends) and most of all, family, Germaine was a beacon of unwavering selflessness, devotion, light and love.
Germaine was mindfully aware of world, community, and social issues. She felt things deeply and compassionately, always supporting those who were facing difficulties and in need. In all situations she contributed her time, efforts, emotional involvement and brought joy to the situation. There are too many examples to list.
Her sudden and shocking death has been devastating to her family. The world has lost a truly great person; Mrs. Germaine Coo.
The family welcomes all friends, neighbours, and anyone who knew Germaine or her brothers, sisters, and especially her children, to please join us in celebrating her life. Let's send Germaine off surrounded by light, love and the joy she brought to the world.
Visitation will take place at the Steckley-Gooderham Funeral Home, 30 Worsley St., Barrie on Friday, January 5th, 2024 from 2-4 and 7-9 pm. Funeral Mass will take place the following day on Saturday, January 6th, 2024 at 10 am at the St. John Vianney Parish, 13 Baldwin Lane., Barrie. Reception will follow inside the Church Hall. An interment will take place after the reception at the St. Mary’s Catholic Cemetery, 208 Sunnidale Rd., Barrie for those who wish to attend. In honour of Germaine’s love and passion for her grandchildren, memorial donations may be made to the Stephen Lewis Foundation and are greatly appreciated by the family. Online condolences and memories may be left at www.steckleygooderham.com