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Allison Beckwith Cooke
Allison Beckwith Cooke
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Allison Cooke Obituary
An obituary is not available at this time for Allison Beckwith Cooke. We welcome you to provide your thoughts and memories on our Tribute Wall.
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2313 E. Edison Rd., South Bend, IN 46615
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Recent Obituaries
Recent Obituaries
Recent Obituaries
Liz Humphrey
October 29, 2024
I’m just learning now that Allison has passed because of the retrospective. I took her figure drawing pastel classes at Milwaukee Art Museum in the late 1980s while in high school. She was a fantastic teacher who was very thoughtful, in tune with and responsive to everyone in the class, including me, even though I was a teenager. One of my drawings from her class got into the Scholastic Regionals. Allison spoke joyfully about color and sparkle . She was brilliant (literally and figuratively) with color, texture and expression. Pastel is still one of my fave media and my skills grew tremendously because of her wonderful teaching skills and example as an artist. Rest in Pastel Power.
Painting created spring 2016
Claire Butler (Strominger)
October 7, 2024
Allison Cooke, she was my painting teacher at UW-Milwaukee, but more importantly she was my mentor as an artist and educator. She pushed me to challenge myself in subject matter, experiences, and personally as an artist.
I think about her almost daily since she has passed. Even more so now that I am working at MIAD teaching a night class.
It feels natural and fluid to be able to dive into ideas with students that have foundation in drawing and come from different backgrounds. Remembering that I am one of their first teachers in their first year of college is kinda special. Makes me reflect on the impact Allison had on me. The positive impact and support she gave each class. The multitude of conversations about art history. The plethora of knowledge when it came to painting that she shared with me and her many students.
I took every class I could with her and traveled to Italy and learned egg tempera techniques from her, and her love of Italy was instilled in me through her own passion for the wonderful place.
Her legacy through her art work will carry on, but more importantly the impact she had on her students will never be forgotten.
Cathy Griffin Cagle
October 5, 2024
I am so sad that Allison has left us.... so very sad. Memories of all the adventures, work, discovery, tears, and happiness shared come flooding back. Allie, I've always held you dear even though years and years might pass and will continue to do so. Bobby, so much love to you. I wish we could raise some of those homebrews with your hand printed labels and stay up for hours talking and sharing laughter and tears. I still have both of your art on our walls keeping us company. Allie, thank you. Much love to all those who will always love her, especially her family.
Kathy Kercheck
July 3, 2024
I am so sorry, l just heard. Allison awakened my love of pastels, she taught me. My best pastel works, l don't think l would have ever created, were it not for her encouragement, passion for the skilled technique, and so wonderfully teaching it. She lives on through her art and all those she inspired.
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Carol Heft
June 5, 2024
Very sad to hear that Allison passed away. She was an inspiring artist.
Kat Tomka
June 1, 2024
I felt the need to reach out to Bob with my thoughts and prayers as he´s been on my mind this week.
Cathy Kennedy
May 31, 2024
Allison and I met at UW Madison. We lived in the same dorm on the same floor. We registered for our first semester classes together as both of our lasts names begin with Co. We eventually became roommates. She would brush her teeth after every class. She made this delicious Pulla , a Finnish Cardamon bread. The scent of that spice always brings me back to those in memory happy golden days. May her memory be a blessing .
Harriet Pfersch
May 8, 2024
Allison was an amazing woman. I was delighted to work with her at UW-Milwaukee in her capacity as advisor in the Art Department. We got to know each other on a personal level because we both shared the death of a sibling in our respective families at the same time. She was always a professional who was truly dedicated to her students and to her art. She loved going to Florence in the summers to teach her students about the great artists and their contributions to Art History. I'm so sorry to hear of her passing. My sincere condolences to her husband Bob and all of her many friends and colleagues. She truly will be missed.
Kat Tomka
April 28, 2024
Allison and I were like sisters for a long time, starting in grad school. I´ve known her since 1986 and thought we were turning yet another corner in our friendship when she decided it was time to leave us. She was so full of life and `Libra" spirit that she must not have stopped but transformed that spirit into something really special in the celestial world. Such a gift to have known her. Thank you ABC. Think of you daily and send you kisses. Bless you Bobby, Dad and Sis.
Marc Jacobson
April 12, 2024
I knew Allison through the 80´s. She is one of the most wonderful people I have known in my life. I treasure the memory of those times. Bob, my heart goes out to you. I can only imagine how deeply you feel the loss. I hope you find peace In friends, family and joyful memories.
Stephanie Dalton
April 6, 2024
Allison embodied the idea of embracing what she loved, and sharing it with others. She touched so many lives in the creative community with her generous spirit and optimism. Most importantly, she touched my world in more ways than I can express. A wonderful friend, an amazing colleague and so much more. I have been very fortunate to have shared some special moments with Allison professionally and personally, and I will hold her close to my heart for the rest of my days. Bobby, I am sending you and the family so much love and warmth at this time. Big hugs.
Anna Patricia Keller
April 3, 2024
Though we never met in person, Allison was one of my earliest social media connections and we've had friendly communications over the years about various things. She was one of the warmest, most kind and giving people I've known and a truly dedicated artist. She always seemed to have time and energy for others and to relish anything art related. I was fortunate to see Allison's paintings in person several times and they were simply exquisite and also seemed to reflect the joy she had in making them. What a sad loss for the art world and others who knew her. My heartfelt and deepest condolences go out to Allison's dear husband and family. Rest In Peace, beautiful artist.
Judith Kruger
April 3, 2024
Judith Kruger
April 3, 2024
Judith Kruger
April 3, 2024
It has taken me a while to be able to write this as I am deeply stunned and saddened by Allison´s sudden passing. Allison came to my studio in CT for a workshop in 2015 and since that time we have stayed in close touch. During one visit to Chicago, Allison took the train in for our planned Art-day at the Art Institute. She gifted me a unique rock, which I will cherish forever. Truth be told, we never left the lunch table in order to get to the museum! Gabbing for over 4 hours was clearly a better choice. I am so going to miss my art-geek-sister in crime! The world lost a special soul. My sincere condolences to Bobby and everyone else she touched so deeply.
Jessica Meuninck-Ganger
April 3, 2024
I came to UWM in 2007 and Allison was a member of my search committee. From the day I was hired, she provided outstanding mentorship and true friendship. She was a treasure. Her laugh could be heard on the other end of Mitchell Hall. She was always positive and supportive. Her studio was extraordinary.... rich with an impressive body of work, the wonderful smell of wax, and wall-to-wall still life arrangements that naturally formed through her creative activities - lit with the boundless light of her spirit. Bobby, I am holding you in my heart.
Rosalie Beck
April 1, 2024
So sorry to hear about Allison leaving the earth so soon. She was such a vibrant, alive person that it is hard to realize that she is really gone.
I first met Allison nearly 40 years ago when we were both art students at UWM. We shared a close friendship for many years as graduate students, teachers and colleagues at UWM.
I was always amazed at her energy, work ethic , drive, passion for her artwork and joie de vivre. She was an inspiration to many and dearly loved. A rare spirit.
Rosalie Beck
April 1, 2024
April 1, 2024
Rosalie Beck
So sorry to hear about Allison leaving the earth too soon. She was such a vibrant, alive person that it is hard to believe that she is really gone.
I first met her nearly 40 years ago when we were both art students at UWM. We were close friends for many years, as graduate students, teachers and colleagues at UWM.
I always marveled at her energy, her creativity and passion for her art, her output , work ethic and her intense joie de vivre. She was truly one of a kind and loved by so many.
Nic Wilson
April 1, 2024
I am so shocked and sad to hear this news Allison´ vibrancy and kind smiling energy were so full of life , her beautiful artwork shines with all the vitality of her presence - how can she be gone? My deepest condolences to her family . She will be so missed - even though I had not met her in person she made such an impact in our online art classes , she was positive, supportive and kind at all times . May she rest in peace .
Tyler Meuninck
March 31, 2024
So sorry to hear of Allison's' passing. She had such wonderful energy as a professor at UWM and was as prolific as could be in her own studio. I remember when I was a teaching assistant and she would say in the hallway, " I think I have more energy than most of these 18 year old kids," and she did. She was always so enthusiastic about what ever you were working on and seemed to love art wholly. As an artist, she lived it through and through. A very genuine soul. she'll be missed.
Joanne Last
March 31, 2024
I am so deeply saddened by this news. I also only knew Allison via Instagram. I have such lovely long messages we have shared over the last few years. I felt I knew her, She was a friend even though we never met. We often said we wished we lived nearer so we could talk face to face. I loved her work and energy and passion for art. She was incredible and always so generous and inspiring. Sending my condolences to her family. I will miss her presence terribly.
Pamela McMullen
March 31, 2024
Allison's paintings were beautiful and I know she was beautiful too. My deepest condolences to her family and loved ones.
catherine davidson
March 30, 2024
My heart just skipped a series of beats --- OMG, not dear talented Allison. We met so very long ago when she lived of Brady Street, On Warren, then to Bayview with Bob (dear Bob). I had heard they moved last year and was sorry I had not connected after COVID lifted. Thoughts and prayers flowing along with tears.
Diane Scully
March 29, 2024
I was sorry to hear of Allison’s passing. I only knew her through her artwork, online feedback posts, and through workshops we took together. I loved her passion, commitment and practice to her creative spirit. She was an inspiration to many and was always willing to share!
Natalie Dadamio
March 29, 2024
So sorry to hear the news of Allison's passing. Although I never met Allison in person, as an artist I had known her via online through IG and online classes we were both in. Allison was so kind, and welcoming, supportive and tentative. She was a master at her craft and it showed not just in her art work, but how she was with others. To feel that come across the airwaves in her replies, you just know she was special in so many ways and truly was a supportive Artist to All. She was so prolific and always making something, and that has always been inspiring to me, to see and watch. She sure did love what she created and you could feel it in all of the many ways she shared and showed up. She will be deeply missed in the Artist community. Sending my condolences to her family and loved ones.
Natalie Dadamio
March 29, 2024
So sorry to hear the news of Allison's passing. Although I never met Allison in person, as an artist I had known her via online through IG and online classes we were both in. Allison was so kind, and welcoming, supportive and tentative. She was a master at her craft and it showed not just in her art work, but how she was with others. To feel that come across the airwaves in her replies, you just know she was special in so many ways and truly was a supportive Artist to All. She was so prolific and always making something, and that has always been inspiring to me, to see and watch. She sure did love what she created and you could feel it in all of the many ways she shared and showed up. She will be deeply missed in the Artist community. Sending my condolences to her family and loved ones.
ann mory wydeven
March 29, 2024
I am saddened to hear about Allison's passing. She was an absolute dear and creative spirit. She emitted joyfulness whenever I saw her, although I had not seen her in these last few years. Her paintings were as lovely as she was. Always a gracious human. Rest easy and see you one day, on the other side.
Michael Herbold
March 29, 2024
Allison was out art goddess den mother and mentor in grad school in Milwaukee. She made everything fun and understandable. A great artist and generous person. One of a kind.
Sarah Short
March 29, 2024
I have long admired Allison's art, and I'm so sad to hear she's gone. We are all the better for having known her creative work.
Waqeea Chaudhry
March 29, 2024
Such shocking news. I never knew Allison personally but followed her on Instagram and keenly admired her work, her soft, white hair and what I imagined to be a gentle, unhurried, unpretentious soul. I read her account of her art practice in the book by Rebecca and Jerry. She was one of the CWM artists I looked up to and was inspired by. All whilst never knowing her in person. May she rest in eternal peace with her Maker, may her family and friends find solace and comfort in the beautiful legacy of work she has left behind, amen.
Chris Volker
March 28, 2024
I have been so in love with Allison's art. I loved our interactions on Instagram. I am so sad that she will not be painting and sharing her art anymore. My deepest condolences to her loved ones and family.
Sarah Taylor Ko
March 28, 2024
I was so inspired by Allison’s art! We took CVP in 2018 at the same time. I will miss her beautiful work and spirit!
Laurie Posner
March 28, 2024
I am heartbroken to hear of Allison´s death. I regret that I never had the good fortune to know her personally but I did come to feel very intimate with her paintings with which I often communed and looked at deeply over the past decade. She had an extraordinary talent and I believe that with time she will achieve recognition as one of the great cold wax painters. I am so sad that she is gone. My deepest condolences to her family and to those who loved her. It is a tremendous loss.
Laurie Posner
March 28, 2024
I am heartbroken to hear of Allison´s death. I regret that I never had the good fortune to know her personally but I did come to feel very intimate with her paintings with which I did a lot of deep looking over the past decade. She had an extraordinary talent and I hope that with time she achieves recognition as one of the great cold wax painters. I am so sad and so sorry she is gone. My deepest condolences to her family and to those who loved her. It is a tremendous loss.
Christine Style
March 28, 2024
What a loss. I met Allison via my late husband, Tony Rajer and the late Cissy Peltz. How they would laugh. They are now together having robust conversations about color, art and the business of art. Bobby, I am so sorry for your loss. I loved it when Allison’s class at SRISA and mine aligned. We had such creative fun using Methylcellulose for collage and chine colle. Loved her work so much and how freely she shared her process. Take care, it is a hard road ahead for you. Peace and love
Diane Patton
March 28, 2024
I knew Allison through her wonderful art work. I will miss seeing her post her new pieces. She will be sadly missed.
Ree McLaughlan Brown
March 28, 2024
May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow. Allison's art touched many. She made a difference.
Jeff Hirst
March 28, 2024
I am so very sorry, Bobby. Allison was a good friend and always so full of energy and joy. I always loved talking with her and she made people around her feel deeply cared about. She recently told me how much she enjoyed living with you in your new home. Bobby, my thoughts are with you and your family.
Dan Addington
March 27, 2024
We mourn the loss of Allison. she was a true creative force. She was full of happiness and good humor, and was a joy to be around. I was so fortunate to know her as a friend, as well as to represent her and her beautiful work at the gallery. Her artwork beautifully expressed her joyful, colorful spirit. My condolences to Bobby and the rest of her family. We pray for strength and comfort for them during this time.
Allison´s blue blanket, my inspiration.
Nancy Lamers
March 27, 2024
I talked to Allison every day when we had graduate studios nearby in the Kennilworth Building. My most lasting and vivid memory is of seeing a beautiful soft blu mottled blanket on her studio table. I loved it so much and one day I told her . She graciously gave me her blanket that I painted for a year and she enjoyed my yellow floral Chines umbrella. This is one painting that says Allison to me.
Nancy Natale
March 27, 2024
I am so sorry to read about Allison’s sudden death. I met her in person only a couple of times but followed her work online all the time. My own work was inspired by her continuing creative energy in making such beautiful works. I’m sending my sincere condolences to Bobby and the rest of her family and friends. Her absence will leave a lasting effect on all those who knew and so admired her.
Ginnie cappaert
March 27, 2024
Dear Bobby. My sincere sympathy. I loved chatting art with Allison and enjoyed your visit to Door County years ago.
Lisa Boardwine
March 27, 2024
My deepest condolences to the family. Allison was an amazing and talented artist. Such an inspiration in art and life. She will be truly missed.
Aileen ODONNELL
March 27, 2024
Please accept my condolences, I am so sorry to hear of Allison's passing,she was a great artist &one of the cold wax pioneers .My sympathy to her husband &family.
Helen Dannelly
March 27, 2024
Dear Bobby- I am stunned to hear this. I’m so sorry for your loss. Allison was so vibrant and such an amazing artist. So hard to believe.!
Corinne Morgan
March 27, 2024
I have followed you on Facebook and have been deeply inspired by your artwork! I’m sure you will keep creating in this next life!
David
March 27, 2024
No words to express the loss of a wonderful artist.
Jane Michalski
March 27, 2024
Allison was a wonderful artist and person. I was so happy to have had a chance to meet her . We discovered that we had shared experiences of UW Milwaukee. I admired her work and her prolific creativity. My deepest condolences to her family for this untimely loss.
Robert Wright
March 27, 2024
Very sad news. Although I never met Allison, I’ve been following her art for years. May her memory be eternal.
Rebecca Crowell
March 27, 2024
Allison was a very dear friend, and I will miss her beyond words. A vibrant, generous, energetic person with a big heart, full of life, and deeply involved in her family, her beautiful artwork, and her many friendships. She advocated lifelong learning, loved exploring the materials and processes of her work, and was very supportive and interested in what other artists were doing. She had a huge reach in the art world, and her loss will be deeply felt there. But for those of us fortunate enough to know her and love her as a true friend, her death is truly devastating. It is so hard to write about her in the past tense! Or to write a tribute that conveys even a small part of who she was. My thoughts are with her husband, sister, father, and niece, love to all of you, and may you find peace in knowing how much she was loved.
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