Joan F. Cooke

Joan Fisher Cooke, 87, of Spencer, New York, passed away on June 23, 2022.  Joan was raised in her beloved family home in Spencer and graduated from Spencer School.  She went on to Wooster College, completed her bachelor’s degree at Syracuse University and her master’s degree in library science from Indiana University.

Joan met Ray Cooke in Paris and they enjoyed 52 years of marriage. They built their dream home on Spencer Lake where they lived for over 40 years.

A life-long “book pusher” she worked as a librarian for the Finger Lakes Library System for most of her adult life.  As an Outreach Librarian she helped to bring books to underserved communities but loved most her role as a Children’s Librarian.  She was honored at retirement with the Youth Services Award which is given out each year in her name.

A founding member of the Spencer Historical Society, Joan always had a strong connection to the history and community in Spencer. She also helped to curate the much loved historical photos that were published in the Tioga State Bank calendar for over 30 years.

Joan also helped to ensure that the beautiful Tiffany glass windows in the Spencer Presbyterian Church were preserved for future generations.  She spent countless hours supporting programs to enrich the Spencer community and to protect the surrounding environment.

A woman of many passions, she enjoyed collecting everything, from marbles, to quilts, to her treasured postcards.  Joan was a strong advocate for women’s rights and marched in Washington, D.C. more than once to express her beliefs.

Joan is survived by her brother, Marvin Fisher, Jr. and his wife Jean. She is also survived by her children: Hallie Vitolo and her husband John, and Eric Cooke and his wife Kristen; and grandchildren Emma, Ben and Caroline Vitolo and Garrett and Karsen Cooke.

Memorial services will be held at the Spencer Presbyterian Church on Saturday, August 6th at 11:00 am.  In lieu of flowers, please send donations in memory of Joan to the National Organization for Women (NOW) or Inspire S-VE.