Claudia Mary Geraldine ARSENAULT

Claudia Mary Geraldine Cowper (née Arsenault) December 19, 1950 - June 08, 2005 Funeral arrangements by Atlantic Funeral Home (Dartmouth) COWPER, Claudia Mary Geraldine - December 19, 1950 - June 8, 2005. Claudia Mary Geraldine Cowper, who had lived strong for the past 54 years, touching so many, has moved to the next step in the human journey. Claudia, a loving and devoted wife, beloved mother and grandmother, caring daughter, wonderful sister and sister-in-law, dedicated nurse, avid craftsperson, amateur athlete and true friend to many, passed to eternity surrounded in the loving care of her family at home in Dartmouth. She did not "succumb" and was not defeated by cancer, she very simply and peacefully followed the course that God had laid out before her. Born December 19, 1950, in Summerside, P.E.I., Claudia married her husband, Bill on August 7, 1971. They enjoyed 34 wonderful years together living in Dartmouth, where they raised three successful sons, Aaron, Daryll, and Kevin. She celebrated Daryll's marriage to Kelly Dalling in 2000, and the birth of her first grandchild, a granddaughter, Mya Jane Dalling Cowper April 3, 2005. Claudia's oldest son, Aaron married Amy Karen Fraser on March 5, 2005, in a magical family home wedding setting. Claudia's youngest son, Kevin returned home from Toronto early in her journey and was a great source of support, pride and joy. Claudia was predeceased by her father, Reginald Joseph Arsenault and is survived by her mother, Kathleen Lillian Arsenault; brother, Charles Joseph Arsenault (Debbie), Ontario; sisters, Irene Rose Bowden (Larry), Dartmouth; Debbie Susan Kielbratowski (Victor), Dartmouth, and Heather Ann McKnight (Gary), Virginia, U.S.A. Claudia was an aunt to many nieces and nephews who will all cherish her memory. Claudia was known for her beautiful smile, good nature and caring personality. A dedicated regular at Cole Harbour Place with the early morning swim group, she loved sports, assisting throughout the years with her sons' activities, serving on the Abenaki Aquatic Club executive and gracing the ice twice a week yearly with her dear friends at the Bedford Skating Club. Claudia was a passionate figure skater. She enjoyed skiing. An accomplished sewer and quilter, Claudia will be remembered by the many people she touched with her beautiful handiwork. Claudia's professional life as a nurse exemplifies her compassion for people. She worked at the Dartmouth General Hospital for the past 26 years and before that at the VG Site, QEII, and the Grace for seven years. She served on the executive of the NSNU DGH Local for the past four years. Special thanks to Dr. Bruce Caldwell, nurse Joy Tarasuk, Dr. David Bell, Dr. Bill Oxner, Dr. Lori Wood and nurse Pat Chatterton. A very special thanks for the palliative care of Ruby MacDonald, Dr. Paul McIntyre and the palliative care team, and the spiritual care of Father Lloyd O'Neil, Halifax Regional Police Chaplain and Father Pat Gosgrove. The care of the dedicated VON and homecare team will always be remembered. Deep appreciation to these and all other doctors, nurses and hospital staff, and the caring persons at the Nova Scotia Cancer Clinic who assisted Claudia through her courageous journey and provided support to the family. The family will meet with friends at a visitation to be held in Atlantic Funeral Home, 771 Main St., Dartmouth, Friday from 2-4 and 7-9 p.m. with a prayer vigil during the evening visitation. A service to celebrate Claudia's life will be held on Saturday, June 11, at 11 a.m. in Pope John XXIII Catholic Church, Colby Village, with a reception to follow in Atlantic Funeral Home, 771 Main St., Dartmouth. A tribute video to Claudia's life will be shown at the reception. Cremation will take place following the funeral with a private interment at a later date. Donations in her name may be made to Canadian Cancer Society. On-line condolences to: www.atlanticfuneralhomes.com