Julia Cook of Chicago, IL

Julia Cook, nee Gerchas, age 96 of Watervliet, MI, formerly of Mason City, IA, Riceville, IA, Cicero, IL and Chicago, IL. Beloved wife of the late Stanley, loving mother of Betty (Scott McKee) Cook, dear sister of Helen Martinkus, fond aunt of Jim Martinkus, Susan (Bob) Foody, Peter Duda, Aldis Duda and Maria (Tim) Duda-Smith, great aunt of Lisa Ryan, Jessica Foody, Wendy Hush, Dan Smith, Andrew Smith and Stella Rose Duda and cherished grandma to grand dogs Granger and Brewster. Julia was born and raised on the family farm in Mason City, Iowa. She enjoyed farm life with her beloved furry friends, especially her favorite dog, Barker and her favorite horse, Fritz. Julia excelled in high school, where she took a Normal Training Course allowing her to teach in any Iowa Public School, but when she graduated and was too young to teach, she ventured to the big city of Chicago. Julia then attended the Cadet Nursing program for three years, however the war ended before she graduated so Julia did not have the opportunity to go into the service. After training, she worked at Holy Cross Hospital in Chicago. She married her husband, Stanley, in 1949 and in 1961 had a daughter, Betty. Julia worked as a school nurse covering four different elementary schools in Cicero for over 27 years. She was an active girl scout cookie mom and received many awards for her dedicated work service. Julia was an enthusiastic traveler, enjoying trips throughout the United States, to London, Asia, Lithuania and the Caribbean.

Visitation Monday, January 13, 10:00am until time of Funeral Service, 11:30am, at Kuratko-Nosek Funeral Home, 2447 S. DesPlaines Avenue, North Riverside. Interment St. Casimir Cemetery, Chicago.