Cook – Loretta Ann Cook of Brooks, beloved wife of Lloyd Cook of 55 years, passed away peacefully at the Brooks Hospital on Thursday, May 5th, 2021 at the age of 79, after years of health issues her body failed to recover from her April 2nd surgery. Born on October 23rd, 1941 in Buchans, Newfoundland to Charles and Frances Lane who preceded her in death. She was also preceded in death by her little brother Chucky; her in-laws, Leonard and Elizabeth Cook; sister-in-law Midge Cook and brothers-in-law Ellsworth Yuke and James McGilligan. Loretta is prayerful and loving mother of Rhonda (Jeff) and Michael; dear grandmother of Ryan, Richard, Reid, Robin, and Rylea Craig and Mitchell and Cassidy Cook. She had such a love for cheering at sporting events. Loretta was known to drive anywhere to cheer for her children and grandchildren and was known by teams, fans and referees around Alberta. She loved visiting around campfires with friends and playing cards, especially if Jim Johnson was singing! Loretta graduated High School from Saint Mary’s boarding school in Combermere, ON., on July 4th, 1961. She then completed 3 years of study at Lorrain School of Nursing graduating on September 19th, 1964, and was certified in Alberta on May 12th, 1966. As Rhonda and Michael grew she stepped away from her career to focus on being The Mom! While volunteering at her children’s schools she was encouraged to become an Educational Assistant. Loretta loved this work first for the Calgary Catholic school board then at Brooks Primary School. In 1980, Lloyd and Loretta moved the family to Brooks from Calgary, so Lloyd could start his own business. In 1982, Loretta was one of 10 nurses to take the first refresher course offered through the Medicine Hat College at the Brooks Campus. Loretta was a member of the CWL and on the Committees to bring the Catholic Education schools to Brooks. She had a deep faith in the Catholic Church and unfailing confidence and devotion to Mother Mary. She had a deep love for her family and friends. Also mourning her passing are her siblings, Patricia (Marvin), Justine, Catherine and Richard (Donna) and her extensive extended family and friends of many generations. Due to Covid-19 restrictions, the family will be sharing a Private Family Mass. A Funeral Vigil was held on Sunday, May 9th at 2:00 PM and Funeral Mass was celebrated on Monday, May 10th at 11:30 AM both from St. Mary’s Roman Catholic Church. Rev. Marino Infante Celebrant. In memory of Loretta, if friends desire, the family requests donations be made directly to either the Stars, 1441 Aviation Park NE, Box 570 Calgary, Alberta T2E 8M7 or Saint Mary’s Catholic Church, 511 4 St W, Brooks, AB T1R 0E5.
Cremation is entrusted to and conducted by
Smith Funeral Home Ltd. and Crematorium, Brooks
Funeral arrangements entrusted to:
SMITH FUNERAL HOME LTD. AND CREMATORIUM
BROOKS, ALBERTA
Condolences may be forwarded through www.sfh.ca
Telephone 403-362-4636 or Toll Free (866)-362-4652
