Alyce L. Cook, 92, of Morrison, IL, died Tuesday, June 28, 2022, at Rock River Hospice in Sterling, IL.
Alyce Ebbesen was born December 17, 1929, in DeKalb, IL, to Maynard E. and Kathryn L. (Concidine) Ebbesen. She lived with her mother in many Illinois communities and her grandparents, James Wesley and Mary (Lyons) Concidine in DeKalb and was a graduate of DeKalb High School. Alyce earned her teaching certificate from Northern Illinois State Teachers College. She was the first lay teacher at DeKalb St. Mary’s school in 1950-51 and taught the first kindergarten class in Earlville, IL, in 1951-52.
On May 31, 1952, she married Charles E. Cook of Somonauk, IL, in DeKalb. Together they raised their family of nine children and farmed in DeKalb, Rock Falls, IL, and Morrison, IL. In 1980, she returned to her career in Early Childhood Education, earning her Associate’s Degree in 1987 from Sauk Valley Community College. She served as a Nursery School and Head Start teacher in Morrison, Sterling, Rock Falls, and Lyndon, IL, from 1980 to 1993.
Alyce overcame many hardships in her childhood. That fueled her devotion to her 68 years of marriage with her beloved Charles, to raising her nine children, and to educating and caring for young children. Alyce was known by all as a model of compassion and faith. There was always room in her heart and at her table for one more person. She cheered on her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren at more ball games, concerts, recitals, 4-H shows, graduations, and other life events than could be counted. Even at 92, she kept up with her family and friends on Facebook, sharing kindness, encouragement, and good humor. Alyce had a gift for making people feel loved and cared for in small, everyday ways.
Survivors include nine children, David (Carol) Cook, Clifford Cook, Louise (Steve) Poulter, John (Joyce) Cook, all of Morrison, Tom (Mary Pat) Cook of Fort Atkinson, WI, Kent (Clair) Cook of East Peoria, IL, Laura (Scott) Miller of Sterling, Joel (Shawn) Cook of Como, IL, and Margaret (Mary Shelden) Cook of Lake in the Hills, IL; 21 grandchildren; 26 great-grandchildren; half-sister, Faith Cook of DeKalb.
She was preceded in death by her husband; parents; brothers, James and Joe Ebbesen.
Cremation rites have been accorded.
A Celebration of Life was held at 1:30 p.m., Sunday, July 3, at 3312 W. Rock Falls Road, Rock Falls, IL, (Triple P BBQ Banquet Room.)
Condolences may be sent to family in care of Laura Miller, 1406 Mineral Springs Road, Sterling, IL 61081.
Memorial contributions will be given to Serenity Hospice & Home, Oregon, IL; Rock River Hospice & Home, Sterling; National Head Start Association.