Melita Cookman

Surrounded by her family, Melita M. Cookman passed away on February 3rd from complications of a stroke. For her own reasons, Melita requested that this announcement be published after graveside services were held.

Melita was a loving mother to her three sons, Donnie, Kenny, and Tommy. Kenny proceeded her in death when he was just ten years old, and Melita is joyously reunited with him now in heaven. Other than her sons, Melita's greatest gift from God was her brother, James Bucholzer, who has been puttering around in paradise for eight years now.

For most of Melita's adult life she worked as a waitress, and she laughingly admitted that the tips were addicting. She worked hard as a single parent to raise her boys, and though times were often tough, they always had just enough. Melita was blessed with beauty, and her long red hair was known to turn heads. We smile at the thought of how striking it will be against the streets of gold she is surely dancing on right now.

Melita loved all animals, especially cats. She was passionate about taking care of the ones lucky enough to make it into her world. They were great company and extreme comfort for her: she loved to snuggle with them. Jesse, Marsha, and Dennis Hopper were three of her favorites, and deserve to be mentioned. We hope they, along with her beloved bulldog, Maggie, were waiting for her at the pearly gates.

After the death of her father from tuberculosis, her mother was forced to seek out family help to care for Melita. As a result, Melita arrived in Freshwater at the age of two, where she was raised by Annie and Jacob Bucholzer, who became her mama and papa. Although it was a long way from Vancouver, BC, her place of birth, Melita, a pure Austrian, never left Freshwater and became a citizen in the 1960's. During her childhood in Freshwater, she met Lila, a dear, lifelong friend. She leaves Lila behind, as well as other devoted friends, Jeanne and Mandee. We appreciate their care and concern for Melita.

Melita will be deeply missed by her family: Donnie Cookman, his wife Lori, and their children - Lindsay, Josh, Kendra, Melita, Charlie, Lucas and Loretta. Tom Cookman, his wife Lavonne, their children and spouses - Stephanie and JW, Casey and Jasmin, Jimmy and Liesa. She is also survived by great grandchildren, Jordan, Arrion, Ashlynn, Jakob, Riley, Malachi, Samson, Naomi, and soon-to-be arriving Miss Shirley.

We will always remember her fun sense of humor and her laughter: her traditional chocolate Santa on a motorcycle made us all smile. We are disappointed that her delicious food will never again be on our table - believe us, there was never a better apple pie or a more delicious macaroni salad. We wish we didn't have to say goodbye to her great conversations - good visiting is becoming a lost art. We are heartbroken that we won't hear her well-timed and welcomed words of wisdom. "It takes a mighty fine husband to be better than none," was one of her favorite sayings. Yes, we grieve over the loss of Melita, our mom, granny, and friend, but are so grateful that we were blessed to know her.

Arrangements under the direction of Pierce Mortuary, Eureka, CA.