November 8, 2021
Cook, Phyllis
Phyllis Mary (Pepin) Cook, a resident of North Attleboro, passed away peacefully on November 5, 2021, after a decade-long struggle with Alzheimer’s. She was 95. The last of eight children of the late Ernest and Natalie (Lavoie) Pepin, and wife of the late Carter G. Cook, she was previously a 40 year resident of Westwood.
Born in Worcester and later raised in Boston, Phyllis was a member of the second co-ed class of Northeastern University, majoring in chemistry and mathematics. Her early career centered on fabric and cosmetic chemistry where she met her future husband and was awarded a patent. Though a member of the team inventing the new idea of aerosol sprays, she gladly retired to be the devoted mother of three children.
Faced with being a single mother when suddenly widowed in 1969, Phyllis moved back from Port Washington, NY to continue a second career in education. A multi-disciplinary teacher, she taught math, science, and French in many area schools including Belmont, Randolph, and Boston (St. Theresa’s, Hyde Park High), eventually retiring from Jeremiah E. Burke High School in Dorchester.
In her personal life Phyllis was a gardener, avid book reader, and, when circumstances allowed, a world traveler. In retirement, she continued many of these things while also teaching ESL classes and then later devoting herself to the care of two elderly sisters.
She leaves her son C. James of Westborough, daughters Katherine L. of Fairfax, VA, and Sandra M. of N. Attleboro, a grandchild, Ada-Grace, and many nieces and nephews spread across the Boston and Chicago areas.
Visitation for Phyllis will be held on Thursday, November 11, 2021, from 4 to 8 pm, at the Folsom Funeral Home, 649 High St, Westwood. Relatives and friends are invited to gather at the funeral home on Friday November 12th, beginning at 9AM and proceed with us to St. Margaret Mary Church 845 High St, Westwood for her Funeral Mass at 10 AM. Interment to follow at New Westwood Cemetery. Donations, in lieu of flowers, may be made in Phyllis’ name to the Alzheimer’s Association, 309 Waverley Oaks Rd., Waltham, MA 02452.
Comments(3)
I only knew Mrs. Cook for a relatively short time, through my friendship with Sandy. I visited with Mrs. Cook and often helped feed her and massage cream onto her arms and hands for which I was always rewarded with a beautiful smile and a “thank you” remark.
It was easy to fall in love with Mrs Cook, and I did. I send my deepest condolences to the three children of this very lovely woman, especially to Sandy, who has become a dear and loving friend. I think there is a hole in the world today with the loss of Mrs. Phyllis Cook. God bless and receive her and send peace and solace to her family and friends.
Most sincerely,
Janet M. O’Brien.♥️♥️♥️
Sandy so sorry for your loss,thoughts and prayers with you and your family
Sandy – just came across this. I’m so very sorry for your loss. Your mom was always so very sweet as we were growing up. May God bless.