[Congressional Record Volume 149, Number 156 (Friday, October 31, 2003)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E2190-E2191]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                PAYING TRIBUTE TO BERNICE TOONEN COOPER

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. SCOTT McINNIS

                              of colorado

                    in the house of representatives

                       Thursday, October 30, 2003

  Mr. McINNIS. Mr. Speaker, I rise before this body of Congress and 
this nation today to pay tribute to the life and memory of an 
outstanding woman from my state. Bernice ``Bernie'' Toonen Cooper of 
Durango, Colorado passed away recently at the age of 90. As her family 
and friends mourn their loss, I would like to tell my colleagues about 
this remarkable woman here today.
  Born in 1913 in Wisconsin and raised in California, Bernie moved to 
Colorado in 1940. Trained as a nurse, she devoted 40 years to her 
profession, and many Durango residents chose to receive care in the 
hospital where she worked simply to have Bernie be their nurse. Several 
physicians with whom she regularly worked regarded her as the best 
nurse in town.

[[Page E2191]]

  Bernie was also known to have one of the biggest hearts in town. She 
had an infectious love for people and always had a hot meal ready when 
her many friends stopped by to visit. Known for her bright, loving eyes 
and scintillating smile, even people Bernie had met decades before in 
the hospital would stop to greet her on the street.
  Mr. Speaker, although Bernice Toonen Cooper is no longer with us, her 
charitable, loving spirit left an indelible mark on countless residents 
in Durango. Bernie was a true credit to her profession and her 
community, and I am honored to tell her story here today. My thoughts 
and prayers are with her family and friends during this difficult time.

                          ____________________