Obituary of Jean W. Cook

Jean W. Cook (Wezeman)

Irondequoit: Monday, January 8, 2024 at the age of 84. Predeceased by her husband, A. Blair Cook; parents, Richard and Anne Wezeman. She is survived by her children, Susan O'Brien, Carolyn (Scott) Cassar, and Arkell "Kelly" (Jessy) Cook; grandchildren, Ashley Jean, Tyler, and Kyle O'Brien, Henry, Thomas Blair, and Annabel Cassar, Troy and Jordan Cook; brothers-in-law, John Cook and Jerry Southland; nieces, nephews, and cousins.

Jean was born in Freeport, Illinois, as a Minister’s daughter. She spent much of her childhood moving around the country. It was during this time that she developed her great interpersonal skills by constantly meeting new people. Later she graduated from Calvin College, located in Grand Rapids, Michigan, and got a job as a Med Tech at Butterworth hospital. While working at Butterworth she met the love of her life, Blair, whom she wed in 1967.

A job opportunity for her husband at Kodak brought her and her family to Rochester. Deciding to focus on raising her three children, Jean stopped working and embraced her role as the family's 'Navigator.' She would ensure that everyone was following the right path in their lives, including quite literally making sure they reached their destinations on various road trips around the country. Once her kids were old enough, she decided to go back to work and get a job as a Med Tech at St Mary’s hospital. Later she would move on to Johnson & Johnson and finish her career there.

Upon retirement, she and her husband spent much of their time at their cottage in Homer, NY and helped to raise their 8 grandchildren. She was able to develop special relationships with each of her grandkids and passed along her kind and loving nature. She stayed active volunteering at the church Storehouse, meeting with her PEO group, working out with her friends at Silver Sneakers and visiting with her friends and family.

Jean loved gardening, reading, puzzles, the cottage, her friends and most of all her family. Her intelligence, humor, thoughtfulness, patience, and kindness endeared her to all who knew her. She will be greatly missed but her legacy lives on in the hearts of those who were touched by her love.

Funeral services to celebrate Jean's life will be held at Asbury First United Methodist Church on Saturday, February 3, 2024, at 2:00 PM. In lieu of flowers, Memorial Donations, in Jean's name, may be directed to Asbury Storehouse, 1050 East Ave., Rochester, NY 14607. Following the service, there will be a reception at Asbury to share memories and support one another.