Mary Del Cook

Mary Del Cook of Farmington passed away at Barnes-Jewish Hospital on September 19, 2024 at the age of 86. Mary was born on February 12, 1938 in St. Louis, MO to the late Eugene and Gladys (Hilt) Reddington. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband of 60 years, Robert “Bob” Cook and a brother, Joseph Eugene Reddington. 

Mary is survived by her loving children, William Cook of Farmington, MO, Joseph (Aey) Cook of Phoenix, AZ; her grandson, Quinn Cook along with numerous nieces and nephews and other loving family members. Also, she is survived by special friends, Bonnie Henson, Diana Sitzes, Geneva Jokerst and Karen Marks.

Mary was a registered nurse (RN) for over 50 years who dedicated her life to helping those in need.

Mary graduated from Grover Cleveland High School in St. Louis in 1956. In 1959, she received a degree in nursing from Deaconess School of Nursing in St. Louis (now Chamberlain College). Early in her career she worked as an industrial nurse and part-time as a float nurse. Bob and Mary moved their family from St. Louis to Farmington in 1973. There she worked at the Medical Arts Clinic as well as Farmington Community Hospital (now Parkland). In 1980, she received her Bachelor of Science in Nursing from the College of Saint Francis. Most of her career was spent working at the Southeast Missouri Mental Health Center as Director of Nursing Education. In the latter part of her career, a proud achievement was becoming a Board-Certified Infection Control Nurse as well as an Occupational Nurse. She loved being a nurse and in 2009 received recognition from the State of Missouri Board of Nursing for 50 years of service in the field of nursing. 

Mary enjoyed countless recreational activities throughout her life including dancing, basket weaving, counted cross-stitch, rubber stamping and ceramics. She especially loved celebrating the holidays and always had her home fully decorated for occasions such as Halloween, Thanksgiving and Christmas. She was a woman of faith and a long-time member of the Farmington Presbyterian Church where she served as an Elder for the maximum term of six years.

Mary was a friend to all. A loving daughter, sister, wife, mother, and grandmother. She was an amazing lady who was always there for her family. She was the gold standard for how to live life as a decent and humane individual. While she will be missed her spirit and kindness will carry on through others.

Visitation will be held at the C.Z. Boyer & Son Funeral Home – Taylor Chapel in Farmington on Friday, September 27, 2024 from 5:00 PM until 8:00 PM. Visitation will resume at 8:00 AM on Saturday, September 28 until the time of service at 11:00 AM at the C.Z. Boyer & Son – Taylor Chapel with Rev. Racquel Tomacruz officiating. Interment will follow at Hillview Memorial Gardens in Farmington. Memorial donations may be made to Farmington Presbyterian Church.