Mary Christine Cooke

Mary was born January 6,1945 (The Epiphany) to Godly parents, John Simon Fox and Mary Ester Fox (DeLange), who both preceded her in death.

In 1963, she graduated from Mount Angel Academy of Oregon. She was married September 28, 1968 to William George Cooke who preceded her in death. They were married approximately 5 years.

Most of Mary's career was spent in the car business. She became very good at dealer trades and made a position for herself as a dealer specialist at Gardena Dotson. Later she worked at Masada Homes for troubled boys. She enjoyed working with the boys and handling all their insurance needs.

Mary had many interests and hobbies. She took a creative writing class and wrote several short stories. She also helped write two American flag tributes for her Daughter. As an excellent seamstress, she made all of her children's Halloween costumes, school clothes, and formal dresses. She was also a quilter on top all the hemming and mending she did. Over the years, she made several decoupage birdhouses, a hat rack, custom poster frames, wreaths and swags. She always created beautiful flower arrangements and center pieces. She was a very talented decorator.

People that knew her describe her as loving, caring, fun, good sense of humor, talented, non-judgmental, supportive, and kind.

By far Mary considered her greatest accomplishments to be her children. More than than anything else, she enjoyed being a Mother. She always said how she loved being our mom and how proud she was of us.

Mary loved ALL her family and friends.

Mary is survived by her Loving Son WIlliam John Cooke of Phoenix, Arizona, her Devoted Daughter Cheryl "Christine' Cooke of Phoenix, Arizona, and her Beloved Brother Frances "Frank" Anthony Fox of Desert Hot Springs, California.

During the last days of Mary's life she said it was the happiest she had ever been. She loved being in her house with her children. She was very well cared for and so deeply loved.

Our sorrow is only matched by the joy we feel for having been able to love her.

In one of her journals she writes. "To love is to lay oneself open to loss...This is the bargain we make with each other...Because it is so worth it" - Mary Christine Cooke