We Remember
LABUN, Lydia
June 11, 1935 — November 20, 2023
It is with sadness that we announce that Lydia Labun went to be with her Lord on Monday, November 20, 2023, peacefully in her sleep.
She was predeceased by her parents Jacob and Helen (née Harder) Loewen; her first husband, Dr. Clarence Labun (died 1972); her second husband, the Rev. Sam Cooke (died 1996); siblings who died in infancy; and adult sisters Helen, Martha, and Esther. She is survived by siblings Anne, Henry, Tom, Ruth (Waldo), Naomi, Jace (Elvira), Abe (Iona), and David; her children Andrew (Carolyn) and Doris; and grandchildren Sam, Katrina (Mark), Emily, Oonagh (Everett), Finola, and Philip.
Lydia was born and raised in Coaldale, Alberta to parents who had fled the Soviet Union, and was baptized in the Coaldale Mennonite Brethren Church. She graduated from the University of Manitoba in Home Economics and Education. She married Clarence, and after Andrew’s birth they spent a three-year term as medical missionaries in Paraguay. Doris was born shortly after their return to Canada, and the family settled in Winkler, Manitoba. Lydia resumed her teaching career after Clarence died of cancer in 1972, upgrading her qualifications to enable her to teach Art at the secondary level. She moved to Abbotsford, British Columbia in 1975 to live near her aging mother. Lydia taught Home Economics and Art at the Mennonite Educational Institute, after which she taught in the public school system, retiring in 2000. She found love again, marrying Sam Cooke, a retired and widowed Anglican priest, with whom she spent two happy years before his death.
Lydia always put her family first. She was a tremendous support to both of her children and maintained connections with her many siblings and cousins across Canada, Central and South America, and even Central Asia. When Alzheimer’s began to affect Lydia, she moved to Kelowna, British Columbia in 2013, to be near her son.
Teacher, artist, world traveller, lifelong learner, and generous host to many, Lydia is remembered as a vibrant woman with many interests.
The family wish to express their appreciation to the staff at Village at Mill Creek for their loving care.
A Funeral will be held to honour Lydia on DECEMBER 20, 2023, at 10:00 AM, at the SEVENOAKS ALLIANCE CHURCH, 2575 Gladwin Road, Abbotsford, BC V2T 3N8.
If you wish to send a condolence, post photos, or share a memory, please scroll down the page to the area called “Condolences”.
Service
DECEMBER 20, 2023, at 10:00 AM
Location
SEVENOAKS ALLIANCE CHURCH
I am so sorry for your loss.. I was so privileged to have met Lydia when she came to Orchard Park for her hotdog.. I loved her sweet disposition.. She was my favorite customer
Rest in peace 🙏❤
Andrew and Doris, your father and my mother were first cousins. We used to visit with your mother and you when you were very young in Abbotsford. I don’t think you remember me and my husband Alfons Ewert and our girls Gloria and Joyce. Your grandmother and my mother Agnes Doell were best friends. my brother Ben Doell was an engineer in Ottawa and was good friends with you father Clarence. Your mother Lydia and our family were friends until your mother moved with you children, Andrew and Doris. We remember when we chatted with your mother after she married again. My daughter Gloria Cavacece send our love to you as we know you will miss your mother who was a wonderful person. She cared for her children working very hard to put you through school as a single mom. If you wish to e-mail us we would be happy to hear from you.
Thank you for your condolences, Mary. I do remember meeting you and Alfons, although not in detail. Your mother Agnes left me a photo my grandmother had sent her before she was married, and I keep it on display. It is signed, “A Merry Xmas for Mr + Mrs Doell” and it bears the logo, “Westlake, Swift Current.”
Andrew
My condolences Andrew, Doris and family. I still remember the special time and moments when you and your parents would sometimes visit with our family while serving in Paraguay.. Indeed, your mom did have the Loewen DNA and was, as you indicated, a lifelong learner , world traveler and a great host.. She will be missed
Dear Andrew, Doris and family,
I send my deepest sympathy on the loss of your dear mother and grandmother. I met Lydia when she was a TOC at W.J. Mouat Schooll. We enjoyed many conversations. she had a lovely, generous spirit and
Much integrity. I wish you peace and strength at this difficult time. thinking of you, Helen Hucul