It is with great sadness we announce the death of Elizabeth Grafton Cochrane, who passed away after a short illness and surrounded by four of her dearest friends: Roisin Moffit, Nancy Bower, Tee Nantel, and Elaine Little, on September 26th, 2017, at Royal Jubilee Hospital in Victoria BC. Liz was born on May 2nd, 1947, in London, Ontario to William Grafton and Elizabeth (Betty) Cochrane, and grew up in Exeter and Goderich, Ontario. Liz was predeceased by her parents and her beloved sister, Mary (Cochrane) Hofmeister. A registered nurse with accreditation in midwifery from Edinburgh, Scotland, as well as a certificate in Community Health Nursing from Newfoundland, Liz indulged her passion for travel while working in hospitals and medical centers, for the Coast Guard, and as the medic on oil rigs around the world, including a stint as a flight attendant for Kiwi Air. Her work and her travels took her to Europe, New Zealand, Morocco, the Arctic Circle, Iceland, Hawaii, and Peru, to name just a few. But of all the places she visited, Liz loved France most of all, in particular Paris, and the village of Aigre where she spent more than a year after her retirement. Liz also worked for Tsawout First Nation on Vancouver Island, and just before her retirement, for the Healthlink Nurse Line in Burnaby, BC. She will be remembered for her generosity, her kindness, her wit, her outgoing and friendly nature, and for her love of travel, art, dogs, children, and knitting. Liz leaves behind her sister Martha Cochrane, of Hingham Massachusetts, and her much loved (and knitted for) nieces and nephews: Jeff and Jane Gascho of New Jersey, and Christoph and Jenny Hofmeister of British Columbia, as well as her four great-nieces: Kayt and Maggie Micinski and Emily and Sarah Gascho, and more friends from more countries than could be named here. Dear Liz, we know that you will continue to travel to new and exciting places, with knitting supplies, scalding hot Red Rose tea in a china cup, and a scrabble dictionary by your side. We will know where you have been by the smiles left on the faces of strangers, many of whom were walking their dogs, who were lucky enough to have caught your eye. Donations in memory of Liz may be made to: The Writers’ Exchange, 881 East Hastings St., Vancouver BC, V6A1R8, a registered Canadian charity that provides free reading and writing programs for inner city children; or to the charity of your choice.
We are always willing to go where called upon but this image shows a visual of the communities that our included in our initial transportation fee. We offer a 40km radius from any of our 5 locations (Arva (London), Exeter, Lucan, Seaforth, and Zurich). Any mileage beyond the included 40km will be charged a rate of $2.50/km (one way travel only).
Heather Noble Emmett
To the family,
I first met Liz when we were both student midwives in Aberdeen Scotland. Being expat Canadians studying in Scotland we became friends quickly. After we graduated and returned to Canada, I visited Liz in St Johns Newfoundland when she was studying Community Health Nursing. She was so hospitable and showed me all around St Johns. It was a wonderful visit especially because of her hospitality. We lost contact after i returned to the NWT and I have just sadly discovered her obituary. She will be missed by many, a fine Canadian and friend. RIP Liz.
Donna O 'Brien
Dear Martha and family. Although I never knew Liz I feel I can relate to her special talents and love for her family after reading her well written obituary. You Martha,I’m certain have eulogized your dear sister so superbly well. Being the oldest in your family it must be difficult to realize you younger siblings are no longer with you. I’m so sorry! Please know you are in my special thoughts not just at this sad time but always. Sincerely, Donna