Mary Cook

1939 - 2025

Mary Ann Cook, 86, of Madison, Wisconsin passed away peacefully on December 29, 2025.

Mary Ann was born in Philadelphia, the daughter of Edward and Marion Gebelein. She was raised in West Hartford, Connecticut. She graduate from Regis College in 1961 (AB, History) and from the University of Wisconsin-Madison in 1970 (Masters, History).

Mary Ann married Frank Cook on August 28, 1965 in West Hartford, Connecticut. They celebrated their 60th anniversary in 2025.

Mary Ann worked for the State of Wisconsin's Department of Industry, Labor, and Human Relations and later for Dane County Human Services. She retired on the same day as her husband Frank in 2000.

Mary Ann lived a life of service to her community. She was a generous donor to many charities and a volunteer for causes large and small. She was a very active member of Grace Episcopal Church in Madison, serving in multiple groups within the church. She served on the board of Habitat for Humanity of Dane County from 2000 to 2005 and was president of the Board for 2004 and 2005. She also served on the board of Porchlight, Inc.

Mary Ann loved music, especially Bach and Tom Lehrer, and studied piano which brought her much joy. She was an avid birder and loved a long walk with her binoculars. She and Frank were also frequent travelers visiting every US state as well as Mexico, China, Turkey, the United Kingdom, Ireland, France, Spain, Italy, Russia, Czech Republic, Norway, Sweden, Denmark amongst other countries.

Mary Ann was particularly enthusiastic about Christmas and collected many crèches and at least 2 trees worth of ornaments. She loved the traditions of it, the decorating, the church services, baking the cinnamon rolls, preparing the "roast beast" as she joked, the Nine Lessons and Carols broadcast, the smells, and then enjoying the fruits of her labors with her family and friends. If anything she was even more enthusiastic about Halloween and loved to wear a witch's hat while Rewarding trick-or-treaters.

Mary Ann is survived by her husband, Frank, and her sons Jonathan and Stephen. She is well-remembered by many friends and relations. A memorial service is being planned and further announcements will be forthcoming.

Memorial donations in Mary Ann's name may be made to Porchlight, Inc. at https://www.porchlightinc.org/donate/.