It is with great sadness that we announce the peaceful passing of Bernadette (Bernie) Cossarin on June 21, 2024, after a lengthy battle with Alzheimer’s disease.
Bernie was born on June 3, 1937, in New Westminster to Thomas and Gladys McCloskey. She grew up in Port Moody with many happy memories of the family home in Alderside.
Bernie graduated from St. Paul’s School of Nursing in 1958. She moved to Powell River in 1965, where she worked at Powell River General Hospital. It is here that she met her husband Elio and they married in 1967.
Bernie’s life was devoted to caring for others, in particular those with special needs. She worked tirelessly and was instrumental in advocating for inclusion and equal opportunities for children and adults with disabilities.
Bernie volunteered countless hours to many service organizations throughout her life, positively impacting many people's lives.
Bernie is survived by her loving husband Elio, daughter Jackie (Ian), sons Peter, Jason and John (Melissa); grandchildren Sophia, Estelle, Syrah, Logan and Lilly; brother Dennis (Pam), sister-in-law Ada, nieces and nephews in Canada and Italy and many relatives and friends.
Funeral mass will be held on July 5 at 1:30 pm and prayers on July 4 at 7 pm at Church of the Assumption at 7109 Glacier Street, Powell River. If you're unable to attend, please join Livestream at: http://www.youtube.com/@churchoftheassumption1021
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Special Olympics BC - Powell River at https://sobccommunity.
Do all the good you can, by all the means you can,
in all the ways you can, in all the places you can,
to all the people you can,
as long as ever you can.
John Wesley
