Gladys Cook

  Gladys Juliana Cook, of Lynden, passed away Sept. 13, 2016, 26 days after celebrating her 100th birthday. She was born on Aug. 18, 1916 to Arnoldus and Helena Blankers, the sixth of eight children.
  Gladys attended Ebenezer Christian School and graduated as valedictorian from Lynden High School in 1934. Following studies at Western Washington University and Success Business College, she worked for the Whatcom County Dairyman’s Association, the Railroad Retirement Board in Washington, D.C., and the Bonneville Power Administration in Portland, Oregon.
  On March 23, 1939, she married Dr. John Cook, who had a dental practice in Lynden. They were married for 45 years and raised four daughters. During this time, Gladys worked at the Lynden Library, was a member of the First Reformed Church and was involved in numerous organizations including the Mt. Baker Dental Society, the Association of Retarded Children of Whatcom County, auxiliaries of the American Legion, and as a Campfire Girl troop leader. She was instrumental in making education available for special-needs children.
  Gladys was a great mother – dignified, nurturing, inspirational and respectful of others. Gladys “Nana” treasured her grandchildren and made special time for them with tea parties and one-on-one visits during the summer. Her Christian faith was central to her life. She had a way of making one feel cherished. Her legacy of love is something we will always treasure.
  She was preceded in death by her husband, John, daughter Stephanie Cook, and grandson James Rogers Jr.
  Gladys is survived by a brother, Zeger Blankers of Ventura, California; sister-in-law Kathryn (Nieuwendorp) Blankers of Lynden; her daughters, Joanne (Stephen) Syre of Moses Lake, Washington, Linda Lagerwey (John Dixon) of Portland, Oregon, and Patricia “Trish” Rogers (James) of Edmonds, Washington; seven grandchildren; and nine great-grandchildren.
  We are forever thankful to neighbors Kay and Steve Price, caregiver Heidi Sorenson, and Evergreen Hospice for their love and care to Gladys in her later years.
  A memorial service and reception will be held at 2 p.m. Friday, Sept. 23, 2016 in First Reformed Church of Lynden.
  You are invited to share your memories of Gladys in the online guestbook at www.gilliesfuneralhome.com.
  Remembrances can be made to the Lynden Christian Schools, 417 Lyncs Dr., Lynden, WA 98264 (www.lyncs.org/donations); or the James G. Rogers Jr. Endowment for the Journey Program, c/o Children’s Hospital, 4800 Sandpoint Way NE, Seattle, WA 98145 (www.giveto.seattlechildren.org).