1944 – 2024
It is with sad hearts that we share the passing of Margaret “Punksie” Alberta Prockiw (née Cooley). Margaret passed away peacefully on May 29, 2024, at the age of 79, surrounded by family. Margaret was born in June 1944, in Edmonton, Alberta. She loved life and her family dearly. Not a day will go by that she is not loved or missed.
Margaret is survived by three sons, David Prockiw, John Prockiw, Danny Prockiw (Anna); one daughter, Katrina Prockiw; and seven grandchildren: Keeley, AJ, Jeff, Hannah, Gregor, John, and Walter. Margaret is also survived by two brothers, Robert Cooley (Elva) and Kelly (Therese); two sisters, Billie Cooley Winfield (Brent) and Jackie Cooley McCann (Jim); brother-in-law, Alvin McColman; as well as many nieces, nephews, great-nieces and great-nephews.
Margaret was predeceased by her husband, John Prockiw (2014); father, Albert Cooley (1998); mother, Sarah Cooley (1999); older sister, Donna Gates (2008); and younger sister, Delores McColman (2021).
During her early years, Margaret lived in Ardrossan, Edmonton, Muskeg Creek, and Wildwood. She met John at work, and it was after a Christmas kiss that Margaret knew John was going to be her husband.
John, Margaret, and their family would visit the family farm almost every weekend and every holiday. They were a strong support for Margaret’s parents and siblings, helping with anything and everything.
Margaret loved kids and would babysit for anyone, taking the kids with her wherever she went. Her three younger siblings benefited from this greatly, and always felt loved and cared for by her. After Delores was born, Margaret got a new nickname – Punksie. Delores could not say the nickname Peggy – it came out Punksie and from then on, she was Punksie, or Auntie Punksie. To John – Poompsie.
Margaret played an integral part in starting the special needs program in the St. Albert Protestant School Board; a program which is still in place today that helps provide inclusive education opportunities.
Margaret was always willing to help anyone. She was a devoted wife, mother, daughter, and sibling and always family oriented. She loved her family and would do anything for them. Punksie loved music and dancing. She also had to have everything match in her colors – baby pink, blue, and yellow. She will be missed, but will never be far from our hearts, especially when we hear the golden oldies.
In lieu of flowers, Memorial Donations may be made directly to Special Olympics Alberta, 3-12122 68 Street NW, Edmonton, AB, T5B 1R1 (https://soa.crowdchange.ca/2179/donate).
Arrangements entrusted to Connelly-McKinley Downtown Chapel.
To send condolences please visit www.connelly-mckinley.com
Connelly-McKinley Funeral Home
Downtown Chapel
(780) 422-2222
