Zita Monique Cockell (née Guillemette)
August 22, 1948 – North Bay, Ontario
February 4, 2026 – Okotoks, Alberta

Monique Cockell, of Okotoks, AB, passed away peacefully on Wednesday, February 4, 2026, at the age of 77 with family by her side.
Born Marie Zita Monique Yolande Guillemette on August 22, 1948, in North Bay, ON, Monique was the fifth of twelve children in her family. She later made her home in Calgary, AB, where she raised her children and enjoyed working at Safeway. Monique then moved to Humboldt, SK, where she built a life full of creativity, laughter, and deep love for her family, friends and natural surroundings.
Monique was a devoted wife, loving mother, and proud grandmother. Her family was always at the heart of everything she did, and she took great pride in the traditions, memories, and joy they shared together. Monique possessed a true joie de vivre. She loved music, fireworks, bingo and cards—especially cribbage, in which she won many championships.
Christmas was Monique’s favourite time of year and truly her season to shine. Her entire house transformed into a magical Christmas gingerbread village, complete with decorated bannisters, a Garfield Santa, and many Odie reindeer pulling Santa’s sleigh. Christmas also meant her famous peanut brittle—decadent, perfectly crafted, and eagerly anticipated by everyone who knew her. Those lucky enough to receive some knew it was a true labour of love.
Monique was best known for her incredible artistic talents, which she expressed in many creative ways. From her custom-made (and sometimes delightfully risqué) chocolate confections to her beautiful paintings and impressive cake-decorating skills, her creativity knew no bounds. She loved creating with her hands and sharing her talents with others.
An avid lover of the outdoors, Monique could often be found hunting, fishing, or collecting rocks for her infamous rock garden. Every stone held a story—flip one over, and you would find the location where it was discovered. She also cherished her gardens, both vegetable and flower, which were always in bloom. Her gardens were frequently visited by birds and wildlife, especially the hummingbirds she so adored.
Monique will be most remembered for her sense of humour, laugh, creativity, traditions, love of nature, and the warmth she brought into the lives of everyone around her.
Monique is survived by her brothers, Guy (Francine), Julien (Julia), Luc (Joan), and Johnny; her sisters, Loraine Brisson (Larry), Marguerite Noel (Bert), and Denise Gage (Ken); her husband, Ken; her children, Paul, Cathy (Stewart) and Dave (Robin); her eight grandchildren, Denver, Jackson, Fletcher, Marin, Cole, Aidan, Abigail, and Cooper, and numerous nieces, nephews, and in-laws.
Monique was predeceased by loved ones who welcome her with open arms, including her parents, Marcel and Yvette (Gaudreault); brother, Chuck (Joanne); sisters, Lucy Fleming (Ron) and Lynn Crawford (David); and sister-in-law, Mary Guillemette (Julien).
She will be deeply missed and lovingly remembered by her family and many friends whose lives she touched.
Thank you to all the staff at Manitou Lodge (Watrous, SK), Millrise Seniors Village (Calgary, AB) and Tudor Manor (Okotoks, AB) for their loving care of Monique over the years. A special thank you to Tudor Manor for the dignity and compassion you gave to Monique and our family during her final days.
The immediate family held a small gathering directly after her passing. Monique will now return to Ontario as her final resting place in the Guillemette family plot as per her wishes. A formal service and celebration of life will be held at Pine Hills Cemetery on her birthday - August 22, 2026. This is the day that marked her arrival into the world, a day that was uniquely hers and now gives us an opportunity to celebrate Monique one more time on a day devoted entirely to her. For our many friends and family members who are unable to travel, the Service will be live-streamed online.
If friends so desire, memorial tributes may be made directly to the Alzheimer’s Society of Canada, www.alzheimer.ca.
In living memory of Monique Cockell, a tree was also planted in the Ann & Sandy Cross Conservation Area of Alberta by McInnis & Holloway Funeral Homes.