Sister Mary Cook, RSM Obituary (1913 - 2013)

PORTLAND - Sister Mary Cook, RSM, 100, (Sister Mary Monica), died peacefully on June 27, 2013 at Frances Warde Convent in Portland. She was born in Portland on June 14, 1913, a daughter of John T. and Albina Boulay Cook. She attended Sacred Heart Grammar School, Portland and was a graduate of Cathedral High School, Portland, St. Joseph's College and Catholic University of America, Washington, D.C., where she obtained a Master of Arts in Business Education. She entered the Sisters of Mercy, Portland, from Sacred Heart parish in 1934. Sister Mary Cook's teaching ministry spanned the elementary, secondary and college levels. Her first teaching position was at St. Dominic's School, Portland, followed by assignments at St. Edward's School, Bar Harbor; St. Benedict High School, Benedicta; John Bapst High School, Bangor; and Cathedral High School, Portland. In 1956, Sr. Mary became Treasurer of St. Joseph's College in Standish, a position she held for 31 years. She guided its growth from the original buildings on the Verrill Estate to an institution with outreach to learners around the world through its on-campus and distance education programs. In those early days at St. Joseph's College, Sr. Mary wore many hats, serving not only as Treasurer, but also as bookstore manager, business teacher and dormitory proctor. After her dedicated service at St. Joseph's, she moved to St. Joseph's Convent (Motherhouse) in Portland, where she assisted the Community Treasurer with her financial expertise. In 2004, Sr. Mary Cook retired to a quieter life of prayer and hospitality at Frances Warde Convent, Portland. Sister Mary had a special ear for music and her giftedness at the piano and organ accorded her the position of chapel organist at the college. She often played the piano at many college and community gatherings as well as joining the college students at nursing homes to bring a little joy to the residents. While at Frances Warde Convent, she often played a few old tunes as the Sisters joined in singing along. In addition to her parents, Sister Mary was predeceased by her siblings, John Cook, Hermene Cook and Kathryn Cook Littlefield. She is survived by a sister-in-law, Ada Cook, Old Orchard Beach; three nieces, Peg Cook Johnson and her husband Bill, Old Orchard Beach; Mary Littlefield Chick and her husband David, Portland; and Patty Littlefield, Portland; three nephews, Terry Cook, Old Orchard Beach; Chris Littlefield and his wife Linda, Cumberland; and Don Littlefield and his girlfriend, Lindsay Sirois, Portland; several great-nieces and nephews and great, great-nieces and nephews as well as her Sisters in community. Visitation will be held on Sunday, June 30th, from 4 - 8 p.m. with a Prayer Service at 7p.m. at Conroy-Tully Crawford South Portland Chapel, 1024 Broadway, South Portland. Prayers will be at 9:15 a.m. on Monday, July 1st at the chapel, followed by a 10 a.m. Mass of Christian Burial at St. Pius X Church, 492 Ocean Avenue, Portland. Interment will be at New Calvary Cemetery, South Portland. Memorial gifts may be made out to the Sisters of Mercy - Northeast, Development Fund, 966 Riverside St., Portland, ME. 04103. Online condolences may be expressed below.