Obituary of Carolyn Marie Cookson

November 17, 1962 - September 22, 2022

Calgary, Alberta

Carolyn Cookson (nee Desson), beloved partner of Lawrence Gunn, of Calgary, AB, passed away on Thursday, September 22, 2022, at the age of 59 years.

Carolyn was born the youngest of six children to George and Margaret Desson on November 17, 1962.

Carolyn’s greatest passion in life was family. She welcomed her beloved daughter Alexandra in 1984 and son Lee in 1986, whom she raised with her now ex-husband and lifelong friend Ian. She dedicated her life to being their greatest supporter and tireless advocate. As her children grew to adulthood, Carolyn eagerly awaited the opportunity to be called Nana and was delighted when her grandsons William and Elliott were born in 2019 and 2022 to Alex and husband, Brandon Hisey. Throughout her adult life, Carolyn maintained close relationships with her sisters (Barb, Cathy, Maureen, Sue) and brother (Mike) and cherished her role as ‘Auntie’ to her nieces and nephews whom she loved dearly.     

Carolyn was a creative person and channeled this into her love for sewing, crafts, and music. She played the saxophone, experimented with the guitar and piano, and had an exceptional ear as a singer, which she utilized during a memorable time in her life as part of the Westwinds Choral Ensemble.

Carolyn’s love for baseball extended throughout her life. She was an ardent fan of the New York Yankees and strived to see MLB games in as many cities as she could. 

After living in Calgary for 52 years, Carolyn moved to San Francisco in 2015, which is when she reconnected with Lawrence Gunn - whom she had gone to high school with - and they began a loving partnership after amicably separating from her husband.

Carolyn enjoyed travelling and had many adventures, especially in her latter years. Destinations she visited include Hawaii, Puerto Rico, Indonesia, China, Mexico, France, UK, Sweden, Spain, Italy, Greece, Portugal, Austria, Germany, Hungary, Poland, the Czech Republic, Switzerland, Columbia, Costa Rica, Panama, and the Caribbean. In 2011, Carolyn successfully hiked the Chilkoot Trail in northern Canada. She aspired to visit all 52 US states, and almost achieved the feat, but had a few remaining on her list before she was no longer able to travel.

Carolyn’s quick wit and sense of humor were always on display and ingratiated her to many. She always took it upon herself to ensure those around her felt comfortable, noticed, and appreciated.

Carolyn was deeply loved by her family and friends and is greatly missed. She will be remembered every time a Nanaimo bar is eaten, the Yankees score a home run, and someone laughs themselves to tears.

Condolences, memories, and photos may be shared and viewed here.

In living memory of Carolyn Cookson, a tree will be planted in the Ann & Sandy Cross Conservation Area by McInnis & Holloway Funeral Homes, Crowfoot, 82 Crowfoot Circle NW, Calgary, AB T3G 2T3, Telephone: 403-241-0044.