Obituary of June Cooke

June Ann Cooke (nee Gallagher) Age 85. Died Saturday, October 3, 2009 in hospice care at Salem Village Nursing Home in Joliet. June Ann is survived by her beloved husband of 63 years, William Hampton Cooke; two loving daughters, Karen Ann Cooke and Barbara Ann Cooke; two sisters, Jeanne Driscoll and Eileen Schumaker; and many nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her sisters, Rosalind Urmetz and Mary Rita Foy; and her brother, Jack Gallagher. June Ann was born in Cincinnati, OH on March 4, 1924, the daughter of John T. Gallagher, Sr. and Mary Lillian (Dwyer) Gallagher. She and her family moved to Joliet in 1954, where she lived, worked and raised her daughters. A 25 year employee of Purex Corporation, June Ann retired in 1981. She was a faithful member of St. Ambrose Catholic Church congregation in Crest Hill and contributed greatly to the cost of one of the church's stained glass windows. She was a wonderful cook, loved to read and, as a young mother, created exquisite clothes for her daughters' dolls and costumes for Barbara's dance recitals. She was a loving and patient mother, generous and kind, always there when she was needed, asking little in return. Her family misses her sorely and takes comfort in the knowledge that their dear wife and mother is now in the loving arms of Jesus Christ. Special thanks to Rev. Jim McGuire, Ms. Liberty, Sherry Arthur and Dee Goodale-Mikosz of the Joliet Area Community Hospice, whose kindness made June's passing easier for her and her family; as well as nurses Lisa Young, Angel Colbert, Mary MacLean and Linda Basham of Salem Village, for their care of our beloved mother. Private cremation services were held. In lieu of flowers, donations to Joliet Area Community Hospice, 250 Water Stone Circle, Joliet, IL 60431 would be appreciated. Arrangements by: FRED C. DAMES FUNERAL HOME 3200 Black at Essington Rds., Joliet For information: (815) 741-5500