In loving memory of Naomi Iris Cousins
Sept 11, 1925 – Sept 16, 2024
On Sept. 16, 2024 we said “we love you” one last time to Naomi as she passed away peacefully with the two of us by her side.
Naomi was born to Wes and Mae Underhill on Sept. 11, 1925 in Melita, MB where she grew up. Following high school, Naomi moved to Winnipeg with her friend, Hilda to attend business school and begin her career. She was living with her college girlfriends and working at Great West Life when the war ended and she could remember throwing ticker tapes out the window in celebration. It was during this time that she was introduced to the love of her life, a young naval officer, Lewis Cousins. The two of them were together ever since and eventually found their way to Vancouver where they married and started their family, welcoming their daughter, Kim in 1959 and their son, Kelly in 1968. Later, they moved to Sechelt and were owners of a Sechelt Jewellers until Lew’s passing in 1976. Naomi then became very involved in minor hockey, helping with the books and even standing in as president for a period of time. She was a proud hockey mom (and later in life, a very proud hockey grandma!). She loved watching Kelly play and laughed when she shared stories of the two of them getting lost on their way to tournaments. After Kim passed away in 1986, it was just the two of them for a while. They shared a special relationship and when we married, Naomi stood up for Kelly as his “best woman”. Naomi’s lifelong friendships were a testament of her character. She was loyal, supportive, and had a great sense of humour. And when she suffered a life altering fall at age 85, she once again showed her incredible resiliency as she rehabilitated at GF Strong. Naomi was an avid hockey fan and followed the Canucks faithfully, keeping handwritten stats for as long as she was able. And during her active years, she enjoyed going on seniors tours and had fond memories of her casino trips with “Mac”. Naomi loved her grandsons more than anything. They were her world. She was always so proud of them and always wanted the best for them. Family and friends were important to Naomi and in her later years were the reason she lived each day; she especially appreciated those weekly phone calls. The last few weeks of Naomi’s life were very special as she celebrated her 99th birthday. She shared visits, phone calls and special moments with those she loved, and met her new great-grandson, 3-week-old baby Maverick! Naomi left this world feeling loved and knowing that she had touched the lives of many. Naomi was an amazing lady who lived her life with strength and grace. We feel blessed to have shared such a special and unique relationship and to have been a part of her journey. We will miss her dearly and cherish her always.
Naomi will be lovingly remembered by her son and daughter-in-law, Kelly and Tracy; grandsons, Riley, Kolton and Ty, Ron Lewis (Candace); great-grandson, Maverick; brother, Harv (family), and many other family members and friends.
Naomi was predeceased by her husband, Lewis; daughter, Kim; her parents: Wes and Mae; sister-in-law, Betty; and great-grandniece, Stephi.
Kelly and Tracy would like extend a heartfelt thank you to all of the amazing healthcare professionals who had been a part of Naomi’s life – to the homecare workers who enabled Naomi to live in her home for so many years, to the nurses and doctors who cared for her while in the hospital, and to the nurses, care aids and support staff who looked after her while in long-term care.
No service by request.
