header 1
header 2
header 3

In Memory

Abby Rose Cook - Class Of 1999

Abby Rose Cook

It is with a heavy heart and a touch of humor that we announce the passing of our beloved Abby Rose Cook, who, in the style of her favorite author, Stephen King, left us with a plot twist on September 5, 2023. Born in South Bend, IN on May 15, 1980, Abby decided to keep things consistent and passed away in the same city. Her departure was due to a stubborn case of cancer, which she fought like a dragon - one of the many things she loved.

Abby's family tree included more branches than a Stephen King novel and was filled with characters just as colorful. Her mother, Melinda Markuson, and stepfather, Johnny Gardner, gave her a strong foundation, while her father, Randy Burns, and stepmother, Deb Burns, added a touch of spice. Abby's siblings, Kierstin Wagner (and her husband Jason), Brandon Sternitzke, Devin Burns, Danielle Gadd, Matthew Ogle, Janetta Balog (and her husband David), Michelle Cook (and her husband Anthony Young), D.J Feyos, Justin Lechenet, and Corey Gadd provided the laughter, tears, and occasional sibling rivalry that made life interesting. Then to add to the many branches there were Aunts, Uncles, Nieces, and Nephews who loved her and she loved them more. Abby and her former husband, James A Cook, created their own sitcom with a combined family of four children - Amanda McClanahan (and her husband Tim), Timmothy Grzegorek (and his wife Sierra), James L Cook, and Brody N Cook. The show was made even more entertaining with the addition of six grand-children - Haillie, Haydynn, Luna, Hunnter, Cheyenne, and Johnathan.

Preceding her in death were her adoptive parents, Dave and Janet Wojciechowski, as well as her in-laws, Loretta Cook and Dale Feyos. The latter, we're sure, are currently showing her the ropes in the afterlife.

Abby’s educational journey started at Lasalle High school, where she probably spent more time sketching dragons in her notebooks than taking notes. She went on to earn an Associate of Applied Science in Computer Information Systems from Ivy Tech Community College. This led her to a job as a Data Analyst at Steel Warehouse, where she was renowned for her ability to find the humor in Excel spreadsheets. Abby was a woman of many passions. She loved Snoopy, dragons, Halloween, and painting. She was such a Stephen King fan that we're half-expecting her to come back in a sequel. Abby also had a soft spot for animals and was rarely seen without her faithful companion, Apache. The dog is currently auditioning for the role of Lassie, hoping to alert us when Abby’s spirit is nearby. In the grand comedy of life, Abby Rose Cook was a star. She taught us that laughter is the best medicine, even when life throws you a curveball like cancer. She may have left the stage, but her laughter, spirit, and love for dragons will continue to inspire us. As Abby takes her final bow, let's remember her with a smile, a joke, and maybe a Stephen King book in her honor.

A Memorial Service for Abby will be at 1pm on Wednesday, September 13, 2023, in Palmer Funeral Home – West Chapel 2702 Lincolnway West, South Bend, IN 46628, where family and friends may begin to gather at 11am.

09/08/2023 JFC