Obituary of Mary Alice Cook
Mary Alice Cook, age 87, of Channahon, IL, passed away peacefully, October 11, 2025, at her home, surrounded by the love of her family. She was born on September 29, 1938, in San Antonio, TX.
Mary grew up in the Santa Cruz, CA area. She was a State of California Academic Scholar, earning her Bachelor’s Degree in Nursing from Loma Linda University. She began her career as a Registered Nurse, working in the private practice for Dr. Schilling, of Watsonville, California. She was a working girl throughout her young single life, even working for Life Magazine doing book reviews and translations in several languages. When time allowed, she would love to go dancing and spend time with her nieces who they would call Auntie Licha.
She met the Man of her dreams, Joseph, at a restaurant in Moss Landing while he was working there as an Iron Worker. They stayed together forever, every day after that. They married in California and their 1st son was born a year later in Santa Cruz. Mary left California to build a family and raise her children in Joseph's hometown of Channahon. They had 2 more children Gloria and James. Joseph did not want anyone else to raise the children, so she then dedicated herself to making a beautiful life and home for her husband and children, that in which she mastered. She always had a pristine home. She would wake with her husband each morning to make his coffee and lunch, and get a kiss goodbye as he left for work. Dinner was always at the same time and all food the groups were served each night. She taught her children to read and write before starting kindergarten and they were also taught to recite Patrick Henry Speeches by heart, as she was a true Patriot. There is truly no better way to describe the life and home she provided, than to watch an episode of Leave it to Beaver. “We had truly the most incredible lives because of her commitment, dedication, and love for her family. That of which is instilled in each of us as well as her beloved grandchildren, who she adored, and was a pivotal role in their lives, in helping her daughter to raise them to become beautiful human beings.”
Mary was a woman of deep faith and member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints; she would say that her life was a journey of prayer. Not a single day would be without prayer.
Mary took College Art and it showed through her amazing creativity, she so enjoyed doing crafts with her daughter while listening to her favorites of classic rock, jazz, and blues. She loved music and you would hear it often playing loudly throughout the house. Always having a thirst for knowledge, she continued to educate herself throughout the years by reading books of significance by the most profound authors. She loved so many things in life and took every opportunity to explore them.
Mary was an advocate for special education, since having a son, Jimmy, born with Down Syndrome. She championed the needs of individuals with special needs and spoke in front of Congress to express herself on behalf of those whose voices couldn't be heard.
She is survived by her loving children, Joe (Laurie) Cook, and Gloria (Scott Richardson) Cook-Richardson; cherished grandson, Alexander Klossing; and her beautiful beloved sister, Gloria Torrecillas.
She was preceded in death by her beloved husband of 48 years, Joseph Nelson Cook Sr.; her special son, James Tyler Cook; beautiful granddaughter, Jessica Maria Klossing, and her infant grandson, Benjamin Nephi Cook.
Reading through some of her many journals till the light of morning seeped through the windows of my childhood home, since she left to return home to Our Heavenly Father, and her family in paradise, I would like to share a few of the words she wrote of her husband, children, and grandchildren.
Joseph Sr., “Fly fishing living in Colorado; I love to walk along the shore and watch you fly fish, you are so graceful as you stand so still in blue waters as blue as your eyes, and I am mesmerized watching the fishing line dance as far as my eyes can see. You are so beautiful my husband Joe.”
Joseph Jr., 1977, “Joey didn’t go to school today he wanted to be with his Dad as the basement was being poured”. 1978, “Today is the first day of Joseph's first day at the exceptional reading class at St. Francis College. I hope he does well. I love my son dearly and want him to become successful. Joey is a good boy.” 2023, “Son you have given me so many reasons to be proud of the Man you have become but the proudest moment for me, is telling others you are my Son.”
Gloria, 1978, “Took Gloria and Jimmy to Lincoln Park Zoo. Gloria is a good daughter- she's kind, considerate, gentle and beautiful. She is the kind of daughter every mother would want to have.” 2013, “Gloria, my, she is a blessing and more. She picked up where you left off my darling Joe with the care of her brother Jimmy and the house and even caring for her Mom. There is no one that can match her beauty.”
James “Jimmy”1978, “Jimmy is doing beautifully. Took him to swimming lessons today. I pray for Jimmy everyday. Jimmy, having Down Syndrome, is my little angel unaware.”
Alexander 2023 “I know a boy that puts color in my world and he is my grandson. I will always be grateful for the love and devotion you have given me.”
Jessica, 2023, “My beautiful Princessa, Oh my sweet little girl because of my love for you I can write volumes. I love you and my heart misses you”
1981, “When I have passed away, my children, feel joy for me. Think of my passing as this lovely story once told by Paul Dunn.”
In a beautiful blue lagoon on a clear day, a fine sailing ship spreads its brilliant white canvas in a fresh morning breeze and sails out to the open sea. We watch her glide away magnificently through the deep blue and gradually see her grow smaller and smaller as she nears the horizon. Finally, where the sea and sky meet, she slips silently from sight and someone near me says “There, she is gone. Gone where? Gone from sight, that is all. She is as large in mast and hull and sail still just as able to bear her load. And we can be sure that just as we say, there she is gone another says there she comes. Remember that.” With love and blessings, Mother.
She was an extraordinary individual, wife, mother and grandmother.
From those of us waiting to see you again in Paradise, We Love you Mom, I love you grandma. Thank you Mom, Thank you Grandma, for sharing all your amazing gifts, talents, and knowledge you accumulated throughout your life and the countless wonderful memories you have left for us to cherish for all eternity.
A graveside service will be held on Friday, October 17, 2025 at 11:00 a.m., for those who wish to attend at Willard Grove Cemetery, Channahon, IL.
For more information, please call (815) 741-5500, or visit her Memorial Tribute at www.fredcdames.com, where you can share a favorite memory or leave a condolence.
