Miriam Jeanette Cook

Miriam Jeanette Cook, 90, passed away peacefully on Tuesday, September 23, 2008, at Brighton Gardens Assisted Living Center in St. Charles, Illinois, surrounded by her family and friends. Miriam was born November 8, 1917, in Rockford, Illinois, the daughter of Arthur and Myrtle "Heinig" Othmer. She married Kenneth A. Cook on July 3, 1942, and they celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary on July 3, 1992. They moved to Rochelle, Illinois in 1944, and Kenneth owned and operated Ken’s Barber Shop for 24 years, retiring in 1968. They were members of the First United Presbyterian Church of Rochelle. Miriam sang in the Chancel Choir for 43 years. She was an accomplished, and self-taught musician, playing the piano, organ, and ukulele. Miriam loved to crochet, knit, and play cards and board games in her spare time. Survivors include their daughter, Carla (Robert) Lilien of Geneva; two granddaughters, Debra (William) Coffman, and Denise (Jeremy) Coen; and 5 beautiful great-grandchildren, Carly and Chase Coffman, and Cameron, Patrick, and Delaney Coen. She was preceded in death by her husband, Kenneth, in 1993. She was the loving sister of the late Harold Othmer, Ruth Goff, and Gladys Andrews, with her surviving sister, Vivian Burch, also living at Brighton Gardens. Miriam is also survived by several nieces and nephews. Funeral service will be held 10:30 am Friday, September 26, 2008 at the First Presbyterian Church of Rochelle, with Rev. Dr. James A. Tilley officiating. Interment Willwood Burial Park in Rockford, Illinois. Visitation will be from 4:00 pm - 8:00 pm Thursday, September 25, 2008 at Coulon-Lyons Family Funeral Home 704 N. 6th St. Rochelle, Illinois 815-562-6872 and from 9:30 am until time of service at the church. Memorials may be made to First Presbyterian Church of Rochelle and/or Alzheimer’s Foundation.