John "Cookie" E. Cookson

Pownal - John “Cookie” Cookson, 76, passed away peacefully on Feb 11, 2011 at the Androscoggin Hospice House after a long illness with his loving family at his side.

John was born on Dec. 18, 1934 in Calais Me., the son of the late Alden and Thelma O’Neil Cookson. Coming to Freeport at the age of five, he graduated from Freeport High School after being an outstanding baseball and basketball player. Following graduation, he enlisted in the US Air Force in 1953 where he served 4 years receiving an honorable discharge. He married his loving wife, Marie E. Dahlbeck of New London, MN in 1957 and soon after joined General Motors where he worked throughout the State of Maine for 20 years. In 1977, they bought a convenience store in Freeport that was appropriately named “Cookie’s Market”. John and Marie enjoyed working in the store as it gave them the opportunity to meet and become friends with so many of the friendly Freeport residents. John also worked for the Freeport Post Office as a rural deliverer, retiring in 1996.

John will be remembered for being a caring father and for his great sense of humor. He enjoyed spending time with his family, pets, all sports, and traveling.

John was a member of the Masonic Lodge of Freeport and the Anah Temple Shrine of Bangor.

John is survived by his wife of 54 years, Marie Dahlbeck Cookson of Pownal, his two sons, Michael and his wife Juliet of Rome, NY, Darryl and his companion Lori Rickett of Windham, his brother Ronald Cookson and his wife Susan of Plattsburg, NY, three grandchildren, Michelle Cookson and her companion Chad Aicher, Jennifer Cookson and her husband Dave Kraft , and Derick Cookson, and one great-grandchild, Avey Kraft.

A memorial service will be held 2 p.m. Saturday February 19, 2011 at the Lindquist Funeral Home One Mayberry Lane, Yarmouth.

Our thanks go out to the wonderful employees of the Androscoggin Hospice Home for the support and care they provided.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in John’s memory to the Androscoggin Hospice House, 236 Stetson Rd., Auburn, ME 04210.

Please visit www.lindquistfuneralhome.com for additional information and to sign John’s guestbook.