Joyce Irene Cook

Mrs. Joyce Irene Cook (née Dobson), a proud native of Maine, passed away peacefully in Henderson, Nevada, at the age of 95. Born in Bangor, Maine, she lived a long and fulfilling life marked by devotion to her family and a deep appreciation for her roots.

Joyce was a graduate of the University of Maine with a degree in English and carried her love for learning throughout her life. She was an avid reader with a particular interest for history and found joy in cross stitching and quilting, creating beautiful pieces that she gifted to many. Her pride in being from Maine was evident throughout her life, and fittingly, her last meal was lobster—a cherished connection to her beloved home state.

Joyce is survived by her husband, Col. Mark Cook (ret.), her sister Anne Dobson, and her daughters Anne Cook (Mosgrove) and Susan Cook (Young). She also leaves behind four grandchildren—Ashley Gudeman (Ortiz), Ray Gudeman, Sophie Mosgrove (Speck), and Billy Mosgrove—and five great-grandchildren: Weston Ortiz, Kannon Ortiz, Everly Ortiz, Adalyn Ortiz, and Asa Speck. Her legacy lives on through them and her many nieces and nephews as they carry forward the memory of her sweet nature.

She was predeceased by her daughter Nancy Cook (Gudeman) and granddaughter Alyssa Gudeman.

As the devoted wife of USAF Col. Mark Cook (ret.), Joyce embraced the role of a dedicated military spouse with grace and resilience with every move, including one that took them to Tehran, Iran for two years. Their marriage spanned an extraordinary 71 years, a testament to their enduring love and partnership.

Joyce's life was one of dedication—to her family, to the traditions she held dear, and to the many roles she fulfilled with unwavering commitment. Her warmth, honesty and strength will be deeply missed by all who knew her. She was adamant that there be no funeral or memorial. If you care to do something in her memory, please donate to Guide Dogs for the Blind. May her memory bring comfort to those who loved her most.