Mary E. Cooke, 76 years, of Monroe, MI passed away Friday, March 23, 2012 at The Lutheran Home.
Born January 15, 1936 in Minneapolis, MN, Mary was the daughter of the late Elson Peter and Catherine (Becker) Balkema. She was a graduate of Robinsdale High School in Minneapolis, received her bachelor's degree from Albion College and her master's degree from Eastern Michigan University.
On April 23, 1960 Mary married her beloved husband Arthur L. Cooke at the First Presbyterian Church in Monroe.
Mary worked as a case worker for Monroe County Friend of The Court from which she retired. Prior to that Mary taught at Christiancy School in Monroe and was a homemaker.
Mary was a very active and involved member of the First Presbyterian Church of Monroe as well as a member of the Monroe Chamber Singers and Friends in Council. She enjoyed singing, music, and reading.
Mary is survived by her husband of 51 years, Arthur, two daughters: Elizabeth A. "Betsy" (Steve) Swindeman of Summerfield, MI, and Catherine A. (Chris) O'Connell of Bay Village, OH, two grandsons: Alec Swindeman and Spencer O'Connell, and a sister Ruth Paulson of Lansing, MI. in addition to her parents, Mary was preceded in death by an aunt Alice Becker.
In accordance with her wishes cremation will be held.
On Sunday April 1, 2012 a memorial service celebrating Mary's life will be held at the First Presbyterian Church in Monroe at 1:00 PM. The Rev. Jessie Myers, pastor of the church will officiate. Private burial of her ashes will be held at Historic Woodland Cemetery at a later date.
Memorial contributions are suggested to The Bed Ministry at the First Presbyterian Church or Erie West Hospice.
The Bacarella Funeral Home is assisting the family with funeral arrangements.