Martine Gow-Cooper

GOW-COOPER, Martine (nee Baugniet) Martine died at a time and place of her choosing (November 11th, 2020 in Chemainus) under the auspices of M.A.I.D. completing the circle of her life. Much loved sister of Michel (Patie) Phillip and Robert. Dearly loved live-apartner of Gordon Hawkins. Beloved Mother of four sons, Jeremy (Kylie), Philippe (Stephanne), David (Kalo), Andrew (Heather), and step mother to four Cooper children, grandmother of 8, many found shelter in her home, long standing and new friends will miss her greatly. Martine was an artist with a studio and gallery "The Tree Of Life", a lifelong avid: gardener, reader, social worker, activist, humanist, feminist and a warrior for social justice. Many saw her as a role model, a warm wise motherly presence. Born in Brussells Belgium at the start of WWII, Martine grew up in London, England immigrating to Montreal in 1958. Martine studied at Sir George Williams, Queens and Carleton while having four sons and working, culminating in a Masters degree at McGill (MSW). Having lived in Montreal, Ottawa, Russell and Merrickville, Martine's work included Children's Aid, the Federal Gov't at CIDA, Health & Welfare, Transport and Auditor General, she held very senior positions when very few women did, more rare still was a single mother of four. Martine was the first woman in Canada officially "allowed" on a Coast Guard Vessel, in the cab of a Metro, into a mine etc. and traveled extensively in Canada and beyond including a risky trip to Machu Picchu in Peru, and flights into the far North in small aircraft, on Gov't business. As a consultant Martine created Diversity Training "Kaleidoscope" visionary- three decades ago, for Police and Gov't agencies, then in her 50's became a full time artist creating art in volume and size, for private collectors. Martine was actively engaged in the communities of Merrickville, ON and Victoria, BC, with numerous deep friendships. 10 years ago Martine moved to Victoria and greatly enjoyed the gardens, especially her own and her studio for the final chapter of her life- much of which was spent with author and love Gordon Hawkins, traveling, and with family and friends. Martine worked in 3D glass sculpture, and painting, her life journey was infused with a sense of fun and adventure, and she had a great and delicious sense of humour. She loved well, and was well loved. Martine was ably assisted and supported, in her own home by her sons, close family, and friends, lovingly to the last moment of life. Martine made her last home briefly in Chemainus, as a neighbour to sons David and Jeremy, in a seaside family property, where she delighted in the large garden and treed ravine views, in her own spacious home. Martine saw death and dying as a new journey, not a battle, did not like euphemisms like "passing"; having died, she would rather mourners seek joy, than find grief. In lieu of flowers, donations to UNICEF.