Jean Ada Cook, 102, Lover of Books and Poetry

She was born February 26, 1915 in Lorain, Ohio and has always been a resident here. She graduated from Lorain High School the Class of 33-B. She attended Bowling Green State University. University of Hawaii, Ball State University and Bellingham Washington University. Her career as an educator included teaching at Vincent Elementary School in the Clearview School District and the Lorain City School System. Teaching 36 years, she retired in 1977.

Jean was always an active member of the community and affiliated with many organizations, serving as an officer and chairing committees. Her lifelong volunteerism began in her youth with the Rainbow Gifts and Civil Defense during WWII. Jean served as President of the Lorain County Education Assn., and was the first President of the Clearview Education Assn.; Secretary of the Northeastern Ohio Teachers Assn. conventions. Her memberships included the Life Member Builders of Ohio Education Assn., the Ohio Retired Teachers Assn., Lorain Retired Teachers Education Assn., the former AARP #3318, International Society of Poets, Sorosis, Friends of the Lorain Library, and the Gamma Sigma Chapter of Delta Kappa Gamma, life member of the Black River Historical Society of Lorain, Charter member and President of the Faith Followers of Helen Steiner Rice, that disbanded in 2006. The Selection Committee of the annual Helen Steiner rice Scholarship Fund was led by Jean for its first eight years.

A longtime member of the Lorain 1st United Methodist Church, Known now as the Cornerstone United Methodist Church, Elyria Ohio. Served as leader of the Mary Martha Circle, the Women's Christian Fellowship Group, and the Church's Administrative Council and Finance Committee. While an educator, she came to realize there are many people, young and old who need simple kindness and warmth of a human touch. Thus she created the "hugging corner" at the church that any person could access following church services.

A lover of books and poetry, and several of her poems were published. For decades she gave countless book reviews for organizations and continued to give reviews and evening readings for residents at Anchor Lodge Assisted Living where she has resided since 2004. Continuing her commitment to the world of volunteerism. Jean assisting with the sittersize program at Anchor Lodge Facility, organized and lead "Morning Reflections" on Sunday mornings. In the past decade Jean helped with the READS program, assisting very young students to improve reading skills in a Lorain school. Traveling was a love, especially to historic places. She and her late sister had taken more then 22 cruises together during their widowhood.

She was preceded in death by her husband Charles W. Cook in 1977, mother Hazel VanCampen in 1984, father Charles Nevins in 1935, half-sister Mary Lou Zinsmeister in 2007, a close and loving friend Elmer L. Meyers who died in 2017. She is survived and was well loved by her devoted care-giving friend Nancy M. Meyers, Elmer's widow of Elyria Ohio; and friend James Burns, Lorain Ohio who brought her much joy.

Friends may call on Saturday, January 29, 2018 in the Schwartz, Spence, Boyer, Cool Home For Funerals, 1124 W. 5the Street, Lorain from 10:00 am until funeral services at 11:00 am with Rev. Evelyn Bonnell, pastor Emeritus, Cornerstone United Methodist Church, officiating.

Burial will be private.

Jean request that there be no flowers sent. Memorial contributions may be sent to one of the following: The Helen Steiner Rice Scholarship Fund,9080 Leavitt Road, Elyria, Ohio 44035, The Lorain Historical Society, 329 W. 10the Street, Lorain, 44052, Endowment Fund c/o the Cornerstone United Methodist Church, 2924 West River Rd., Elyria Ohio 44035.

Online condolences at www.boyercool.com.