Nancy Lee Cook

Nancy Lee Cook (Cookie), beloved wife, mother, grandmother, aunt, cousin, passed away peacefully in her Ahwatukee home on January 30, 2021. She was 79. Nancy was born February 13, 1941, in Newark, Ohio, to John C. and Alma M. Creasap (nee Click). She grew up just outside of Marion, Ohio; a 1959 graduate of Marion Harding High School, and Mansfield General Hospital School of Nursing

in 1962, where she served as class president. The caption under her senior picture was a clear reflection of her personality: “Her gee-tar and wit have brightened our days, and helped us through

in many ways.” Nancy married Harley Cook in 1962, and they headed to Phoenix, Arizona, two years later.

Nancy worked as a surgical nurse at both Northwest Hospital (now closed) and Maryvale Hospital, where she also taught a three-month Advanced Surgical Technology course. In February 1971, Nancy’s pride and joy, son Tom, arrived, and she retired

from nursing.

Nancy was a Renaissance Woman, incredibly gifted; Harley once told Nancy’s mother that she was like a fictional character in a book. Her mother agreed. She played the piano, gee-tar, multiple instruments in the high school band, taught herself to play the flute (the kid who rented it to her got in trouble because they were only supposed to be rented to people taking a music class). She was a 4th

degree black belt in Wado-Ryu Karate, and taught for several years at Mountainside

Martial Arts Center in Ahwatukee. In September 2000, Nancy was presented a

“Citizen’s Lifesaving Award” by the city of Glendale for her efforts in attending to a

participant at a karate tournament.

Nancy was a founding member of Mountain View Lutheran Church in

Ahwatukee, and sang in the church choir from its inception until Covid-19 forced the

temporary suspension. Nancy also donated to Sunshine Acres Children's Home on a regular basis.

She loved many things: church, choir, traveling (mostly to San Diego or

national parks), reading, OSU and ASU football, watching crime dramas, animals,

lunches with whoever was a good gossip but, most of all, family and friends.

Nancy is survived by Harley, her husband of 59 years; son Tom (partner

Dawn Holt and her son, Ryan); granddaughter Taeler; cousins, nieces and nephews

in Ohio.

Due to Covid-19, a private family service will be held.