Prior to the Senate, she enjoyed a successful career in education, serving as a teacher and principal. Her academic background includes two Bachelor degrees and a Master's degree in Education.

Given her background, it's not surprising that Senator Cochrane is a vocal advocate of education and literacy in the Senate.

Currently she is a member of the Standing Committees on Transport and Communications and Fisheries and Oceans. In recent parliamentary sessions, she has also served on the Energy, the Environment and Natural Resources, Social, Affairs, Science and Technology, Aboriginal Peoples and Human Rights committees.

However, she is always eager to learn more about the Newfoundland and Labrador perspective and often travels to her home province to participate in other committee work.

Senator Cochrane was born in Lourdes, NL on September 23, 1937. Today she and her husband, Jim, continue to make their home on the peninsula where she was born.