Obituary of Nanda Cook

Nanda (Nunny) Cook, Vestal- Our beloved Mom, at the age of 91, passed into eternal life on May 6, 2024. She will be remembered as a devoted, loving, and caring wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, aunt and friend. In 1951 she married Leo Cook, her high school sweetheart, best friend and husband of sixty years, who preceded her in death in 2012. Nanda was affectionately called "Opoe" by her grandchildren and great grandchildren, and "Nunny" among her family and friends. She was a nurturing and generous caregiver, a skilled bookkeeper and baker (her cookie jar was seldom empty), a devoted fan of school and sport activities, and a provider of perennial canned goods. Most importantly, we will deeply miss her overflowing heart of unconditional love. Nanda's skill and love of caregiving led her to a career in nursing. She was a 1953 graduate of Binghamton Hospital School of Nursing. As a Registered Nurse, she cared for many patients at Greene Hospital, Binghamton General, Ideal Hospital, and Wilson Hospital. Nanda's excellence in nursing earned her awards for pediatrics and obstetrics. In 1959 she combined her love of children and her nursing degree and built a successful business, Endicott Day Nursery, to meet the needs of the Triple-Cities community. She touched the lives of many children and adults as owner and operator of the nursery for over 40 years, until her retirement in 1999. Nanda also supported her husband's business, Cook's Tree Service, by lending her skills as a secretary, until she and Leo "officially" retired. Nanda was also involved with CNY Cursillo and St. Andrew's Episcopal Church, Vestal and St. Paul's Episcopal Church, Endicott. During her many years as a member, she volunteered much of her time and talents with her church community. She and Leo are remembered for their chicken barbeques for so many church and family events. Mom and Dad enjoyed wintering in Zephyrhills, Florida, where Leo tried to get Nunny to play golf. Rather than golf, Mom preferred to quilt, and many of her quilts continue to keep us warm and remind us of her love. Mom and Dad regularly visited the cottage at Otisco Lake where they summered throughout their kids' youths, watching grandchildren and great grandchildren discover the joys of fishing and boating and sleeping under the stars. Nanda was preceded in death by both her parents, Johanna and Arie Koerts, Sr. as well as her six older siblings. Her beloved son, Jeff, and cherished grandson, Matt, also preceded her in death. She was the loving mother of: Gary (Valerie), Sue (Rick), Scott (Mary), and David (Terri). She was the proud Opoe to grandchildren: Jason (Joelle), Danny (Lisa), Kimberly (Chris), Bradley (Sara), Johanna (Andrew), Ben (Kate), Miles, Jacob, Riley, Andrew (Alicia), Christopher (Casey), Jamie, Jeremy, Brandon (Ashley), Courtney (Mike), Justin (Abby), and Zachary. Over the past 13 years, she welcomed 25 great-grandchildren to the family: Addison, Jaxen, Aubrey, Taylor, Easton, Avalyn, Carson, Sophia, Caden, Caylee, Seeley, Alma, Eirene, Elianna, Hunter, Brielle, Madelyn, Hudson, Mason, Everly, Penelope, Beckham, Vera, Gracie and Liam. Nanda is also survived by her brother-in-law Jack (Judy) Cook, sister-in-law Jan (LeRoy) Cook, several nieces, nephews, Godchildren, and countless others. We will forever hold her spirit of faith and kindness in our hearts. Mom was able to spend the last years of her life in her home of over 60 years with the support of dedicated caregivers. Our family is especially grateful for the tender attention and in-home support of Cassidy, Kristen, Jean, Claribel, Lisa, and Marie. A celebration of Nanda's life will be held at 12 noon on Thursday, May 9, 2024 at St. Paul's Episcopal Church, 200 Jefferson Ave. Endicott. The family will receive visitors prior to the service beginning at 10:00 am. Burial will follow in the Vestal Hills Memorial Park. In lieu of flowers, please make a memorial donation to the CHOW Food Pantry, Mercy House of Endicott, or a charity of your choice. A mother's quote which so aptly describes our mom: "To my children...If I had to choose between loving you and breathing… I would use my last breath to tell you "I love you,"