Ann Sheila Cook

Ann Sheila’s true purpose in life was to care for others—family, friends, and even strangers she happened to meet. This quality was nurtured early on by her parents, Henry and Anne Wiley Bayly. Growing up in Troy, New York, as their firstborn, Ann Sheila excelled from kindergarten through high school at Holy Names, and went on to earn a BA in Russian language from Manhattanville College.

She initially pursued two career paths—teaching Russian and social work—but when faced with choosing between them, she followed her calling to social work. She earned her MSW from SUNY. Where she met Dan, 60 years ago. They were married on graduation day, June 10th 1967.

After positions at Vanderheyden Hall and the Connecticut Junior Republic, the Cook family moved to Jacksonville in 1974 with their three young children. Four years later, they were blessed with the surprise addition of twin girls. During this time, Ann Sheila devoted herself fully to her family as a stay-at-home mom, classroom mom, team mom, volunteer tutor, and active member of St. Matthew’s Church.

Having stepped away from a highly successful career to raise five children, she later returned to the professional world with remarkable impact. She was elected President of both the

Jacksonville Unit and the Florida Chapter of the National Association of Social Workers, and ultimately served in a national training role. Ann Sheila was honored as Social Worker of the

Year and received numerous awards and commendations, including recognition from the Navy for her work as a Russian translator for visiting crews. The Cummer Museum selected her to serve as a guide for a two-week trip to Russia.

She somehow continued her devoted roles as a classroom and team mom, even chaperoning a memorable trip to Washington, D.C., with 20 fifth graders. While at Daniel, she created a residential treatment program for emotionally disturbed middle school-aged children, a model that was later replicated throughout Florida. She continued her work in service as a consultant at the Florida School for the Deaf and Blind.

Ann Sheila loved both Irish and Russian cultures and traveled to each many times. The Cook family spent cherished summers on Crooked Lake in upstate New York, embracing a rural lifestyle that grew to include six grandchildren. In retirement, she delighted in reconnecting with old friends and welcoming new ones into her life. Her favorite pastime was finding those who could use a little extra “caring time.” Ann Sheila made a profound difference not only in the lives of her family, but in the lives of countless friends, children and families she served.

Care on, Ann Sheila.

She is survived by her sister, Deidra; her beloved husband, Dan; and their children: Daniel and his wife, Charlotte; Kathleen and her husband, Joe; Kevin and his wife, Jenny; Sarah; and Ann. She is also survived by her cherished grandchildren: Ryan (23), Jack (21), Aiden(20), Bayly(18), Aurora(16), and Peter (15). In lieu of flowers, please consider honoring Ann Sheila’s memory with a donation to St. Matthew’s Catholic Church or the Alzheimer’s Association.

Visitation will be held at Hardage-Giddens Oaklawn Legacy Lodge, 4801 San Jose Blvd, Jacksonville, FL 32207, on March 26, 2026, from 5:00 pm to 7:00 pm.

A Funeral Service will take place at St Matthew's Catholic Church, 1773 Blanding Blvd, Jacksonville, FL 32210, US, on March 27, 2026, at 12:00 pm.

A Committal Service will follow at Oaklawn Cemetery, 4801 San Jose Blvd, Jacksonville, FL 32207, on March 27, 2026 with a reception to follow at Hardage-Giddens Oaklawn Legacy Lodge.