Mary K Cooke

Mary Cooke, 85, died peacefully among family October 3, 2013 in Danvers, MA. Mary was born November 18, 1927 in Washington, IN, the daughter of Edward Keller and Margaret (Nellie) Thompson. She attended Catholic schools in Washington, IN and graduated from Trinity College (now University) in Washington, DC in 1949 with a degree in music. She was predeceased by her husband William Davin "Bill" Cooke, whom she married in 1950. Mary and Bill lived in Rochester, NY from 1950 until 1967 where they raised their six children. The family moved to Ithaca, NY in 1967 upon Bill's purchase of the Cadillac-Oldsmobile dealership there. A devoted wife and mother, Mary was widowed in 1973. In addition to caring for her children she became well-known in the community for her years of work as a volunteer with Mary Hibbard Aid Society, The Women's Community Building, Tompkins County Red Cross, and particularly as librarian and reading teacher at Immaculate Conception School. Perhaps her greatest love, next to family, was her 15 years of volunteer work as Director of The St. Catherine of Siena Choir, and of its associated adult vocal group, The Siena Singers. It is hard to over emphasize the care and commitment she poured into these groups. Still, she always felt she was more than repaid by the sincere appreciation of those who sang with her, and of those who appreciated her work, be it for the greater glory of God, or for the enjoyment of those in nursing homes. Mary brought great love, joy and appreciation of beauty to her family and those who knew her. We feel her loss deeply. Mary is survived by her six children: William (Carol) of Washington, DC, J.Patrick (Jane) of Pelham, NY, Alice Tingley (Nathaniel) of Providence, RI, Kathleen Ryan (John) of Manchester, MA, Grace Keller of Strafford, PA, and Andrew, DVM, (Pamela Jo) of Keene, NH. She is also survived by 11 grandchildren: Catherine Benvie, Julia Cooke, W. Davin Cooke, Ronan Cooke, Nathaniel Tingley, Henry Tingley, Meara Ryan, John Patrick Ryan, Emmett Ryan, Mary Nell Keller, Claire Keller and Frances Cooke. Calling hours will be Monday, October 7, 2013 at 10:00 AM, at St. Catherine of Siene Church (302 St. Catherine Circle) followed by the Mass of Christian Burial at 11:00 AM. Bangs Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements - See more at: http://www.legacy.com/obituaries/theithacajournal/obituary.aspx?n=mary-cooke&pid=167329658&fhid=7263#fbLoggedOut