Nancy Carroll Cooke

Nancy Kathleen Carroll Cooke was born on September 21, 1952 in Glendale, California to parents John Edward Carroll and Joan Marie Malone. Nancy passed away suddenly on November 16, 2017 in Merced, California. She is preceded in death by her parents and sister, Cheri Anne Carroll. She is survived by her husband, Thomas Kent Cooke, her two children, Ian Cooke and Sydney Cooke, siblings J. Kevin Carroll (Sharon Carroll), Michele McKitterick (Jim McKitterick), Brian Carroll (Leslie Carroll), and Kathleen Montgomery (William Montgomery). Nancy grew up in Palos Verdes, Ca and attended Palos Verdes High School. As a true child of a free-thinking generation, Nancy embraced the ideals of peace, love and unity. She developed a passion for politics at a young age that endured throughout her life.

Indeed, growing up in the political arena of the 60’s era made a large imprint on Nancy’s character and outward perspective. Her resolute political and socio-cultural ideals added to her inherently vibrant personality and eagerness to spread a positive message to the world around her. She utilized her passion and intellect to excel in high school, and maintained an enthusiasm for reading throughout her life. As a talented writer, Nancy was part of a national honors society for young writers where she could share her views on politics, peace and conservation. However, she was not resolved to purely share her views on paper, she was active in political protests and enthusiastically vocalized her beliefs to those around her.

Nancy was an active teenager and young adult whom enjoyed a talent for athletics and the outdoors. Some of her favorite early days were spent at the beach, surfing and soaking in nature’s beauty. She later shared this love for the ocean with her beloved husband and children when she would insist during family vacations that they touch the sand and water before even starting to unpack the car. After high school, Nancy chose to attend Mills College in Oakland, California where she graduated in 1975 with a Bachelor of Arts in English Literature. During her time at Mills she submerged herself in college life, eventually becoming student body president. Her willingness to share her talents and love were evident in her choice to go into education after college where she taught children with disabilities and young preschoolers.

Nancy Kathleen Carroll married Thomas Kent Cooke on May 1, 1982. They were fortunate to enjoy 36 years of marriage and family. Nancy achieved much in life, but her proudest accomplishments came in the form of their two children, Ian Cooke and Sydney Cooke. She raised her children with a soft touch, open heart, and strong ideals. She shared her love for politics, the earth, and an open mind. Nancy loved without judgment and taught her family to do the same. She had the ability to light up any room with her inherently vibrant personality, and those closest to her will always remember the animation and joy only she could exude so effortlessly.

Nancy Cooke will be remembered for a multitude of exceptional qualities. Her nurturing character attracted people from all walks of life, as well as her unique ability to make every person around her feel individually special. She was a constant source of peaceful love, and could command any conversation with her wicked humor and strong convictions. She will be fondly remembered as a loving wife, mother, nurturer and friend.

In lieu of flowers and gifts, please make a donation in her name to St. Jude’s Children’s Hospital.

Arrangements under the direction of Stratford Evans Merced Funeral Home, Merced, CA.