Monika Karin Cook

Monika Karin Cook died at the age of 75 on January 30th, 2017, after a 6 year battle with Myelodysplastic syndrome. She was born on June 23rd, 1941, in Berlin, Germany, to Emil Willy Sippel and Herta Hedwig Marie Danner (Sippel). Her younger siblings were Harmut and Jutta Sippel. When Monika was a young girl, she escaped from East Berlin to West, through a tunnel, with her pregnant mother and little brother. They were supported by Monika’s mother who was a famous opera singer. For a little while, Monika also sang in the opera. As an adult, Monika worked for A&P, utilizing English learned in school. When she was on vacation in Florida, visiting her sister, she met and fell in love with Thomas (Tom) Cook, whom she married and later had 3 children, Natalie, Christian, and Julia, with. The primary homemaker, Monika kept the house happy with delicious meals, holiday rituals and decorations, creating countless costumes and uniforms, driving children to ballet, karate, swim, and more. Once the children were a little older, Monika worked at the local elementary and middle school as a librarian and then later as a unit clerk at Grossmont Hospital. In addition to this, loving animals as she did, Monika devoted a lot of time and energy to volunteering for Rescue House where she helped find homes for hundreds of homeless cats. Upon their retirement, Monika and Tom traveled the world; going to many of their favorite spots, as well as many which were on their "To Do" list. Monika also enjoyed training their German Shepherds, reading, crocheting adorable blankets and baby clothes, celebrating anniversaries with Tom, attending the opera, symphony and ballet, and of course, spoiling her grandchildren. She will be sorely missed by all, and most by her family who are truly devastated to lose such a great woman. Monika is survived by children Natalie, Christian (wife Kelly) and Julia, grandchildren Gavin, Emma, Carson, Scarlett, loving friends, and 2 dogs and 3 cats. There will be two services. The first for all family, friends, and colleagues to be held on Thursday, February 23rd, 1:00pm at: Erickson-Anderson Mortuary 8390 Allison Ave La Mesa, CA, 91942 619-466-3297 To be followed by a reception – details will be provided during the service. The second service will be for family and will be held on Monday, February 27th, 2017, 12:30pm at Miramar National Cemetery where she will join her husband in rest. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the following: The Rescue House San Diego Humane Society St. Jude Children's Research Hospital "If the people we love are stolen from us, the way to have them live on is to never stop loving them." - James O’Barr "A hui hou. Aloha wau ia ‘oe.” Good-bye, until we meet again. I love you.