Violet Dora Coupe, age 96 years, of Shaunavon, Saskatchewan and formerly of Orkney, Saskatchewan, died on Thursday, September 18, 2014 at the Shaunavon Hospital and Care Centre.
She was born at Malta, Montana on January 16, 1918. Violet went to Thorne School up to Grade 8. She then went to work for Mrs. Jack Grant of Orkney looking after kids and helping to cook and to clean for threshing crews. She married Frank Coupe on September 27, 1935 at Malta and they spent the next 61 years together until Frank’s passing in March of 1997. They moved to Shaunavon from the family farm in 1985. Violet ran the Monchy Post Office from 1938 – 1951 and was paid $25.00 every 3 months. She was a 4H leader in the community, which was called Sew a Fine Seam. Violet was a devoted member of St. Mary’s Anglican Church in Orkney and later a devoted member of All Saints Anglican Church in Shaunavon. She was secretary for the ACW in Orkney for several years. She loved curling and won many trophies. She was an avid gardener and loved her flowers. She loved dogs and especially cats. She was a good cook, especially known for her apple pie.
She was predeceased by her husband Frank on March 21, 1997, her father Rupert East on November 7, 1975, her mother Julianna East on November 8, 1971, her mother-in-law Mary Coupe in 1965 and father-in-law Lomas Coupe in 1961; brothers Edwin, Leonard and Bob; sisters-in-law Joan East and Lydia East; brothers-in-law Sid Smailes, Arnold Engel and Claude Hansen.
She is survived by her son Derald (Sally) of Orkney, daughter Darlene Shire (Allan) of Saskatoon; grandsons Daniel Coupe (Jamee) of Orkney, Scott Coupe (Deja) of Courtenay, B.C.; granddaughters Jennifer Shire of Saskatoon, and Candace Hrycan (Shane) of Saskatoon; great-grandchildren Wyatt Coupe and Jarrett Coupe of Milk River, Alberta, Rayna Coupe of Orkney, Mikayla Macey of Stettler, Alberta; sisters Elsie Smailes of Orkney, Velma Hansen of Fort Benton, Montana, Sally Engel of Calgary and sister-in-law Barbara East of Brampton, Ontario, as well as by numerous nieces and nephews.
Funeral Services were held on Monday, September 22, 2014 at 2:00 p.m. from the Orkney Community Hall in Orkney with Funeral Celebrant Bernadette Schneider officiating. Syd Smailes presented the eulogy. Carol East was the pianist and special music was provided by Jim Harbor and Kathy Grant. Interment took place at Orkney Cemetery. Pallbearers were Tim Engel, Rod Engel, Gary Engel, Paul East, Robert East and John McLean. For those wishing, Violet’s family would appreciate memorial donations be made to the Shaunavon Hospital & Care Centre, Long Term Care in care of Binkley’s Funeral Service in Shaunavon (www.Binkleys.com), 306-297-2412 or toll free 1-877-BINKLEY.