A Century of Dedication

In 1932, Mary O. Cook was just shy of forty, had five children, and was a widow. Edwin, her husband of seventeen years, had passed away after an extended illness.

Undaunted, Mary met new challenges with faith. The financial and emotional burdens were almost more than she could bear at times, but she never wavered in practicing the truths she taught.

Prior to marriage Mary had taught school, and her love of learning and children enriched her own life as well as those around her. Known as Grandma Cook to relatives and neighbors alike, she instilled in others a thirst and appreciation for learning.

After her own children left home, Grandma Cook taught music and art in a remote Idaho ranch area. After she retired, she returned to her home in Caldwell, Idaho, where her teaching talents were utilized while she served as a seminary teacher. The five years she spent teaching seminary prepared her well for a mission call to Florida.

In 1990, Sister Cook, a member of the Holladay Fourteenth Ward, Salt Lake Holladay South Stake, was among seven women honored during the Idaho Centennial Celebration of Women for significant contributions to family, church, and community.—Marie Hymas, Salt Lake City, Utah