Alba M. Cook

DOYLESTOWN - Our dear mother and grandmother, Alba M. Cook, went home to be with the Lord on September 21, 2022. She was 92.

Alba was born on December 22,1929 in Bronx, NY to Anna (DeSanctis) and Ludovico Carozza. She was a member of Our Lady of Mount Carmel Church, Bronx, NY for the first 24 years of her life where she wrote, directed, and produced plays for the parish of 40,000 people for several years. She was married to Dr. Glenn E. Cook from October 9,1954 until his death on November 17, 1968. Together, they had five children. She never remarried. Alba’s priorities in life were God and family, both of which guided all aspects of her life. She was steadfast in her faith, had a strong moral compass, and possessed tremendous courage and strength. She was known for her lively personality, quick wit, strong convictions, and abundant wisdom. Alba sacrificed much for her family and was an inspiration for us all. Alba was also extremely resilient. There was no obstacle she could not overcome. Although widowed at age 38 with five young children ranging in ages from 12-4, she recognized the importance of higher education to make a better life for herself and her children, so Alba attended evening classes at The University of Akron, earning a Bachelor of Arts in Education in 1972. After graduation, Alba taught Language Arts in the North Central School District in Wayne County, Ohio from 1972-1997 where she taught 7th and 8th grade students at Norwayne Junior High School, retiring at age 67. Alba lived in Doylestown, Ohio from 1955 until her death. She previously served as a Councilwoman for the Village of Doylestown. Alba was a member of Sts. Peter & Paul Catholic Church since 1955. Over the years, she taught CCD to children of the parish, sang in the church choir, and served as a Lector at Mass. After her retirement from teaching, Alba attended Mass almost daily until she was physically no longer able to. Fiercely proud of her Italian heritage, Alba was able to speak and write in Italian fluently and visited Italy many times. Her cooking, especially on holidays, was memorable. For decades, Alba traveled the world extensively well into her 80s and instilled in her children and grandchildren the importance of travel – not only to learn about other countries but also to gain a deeper appreciation of our own. Alba’s creativity was evident in her writing and painting. She was also an avid gardener and enjoyed planting and tending flowers.

Alba is preceded in death by her parents, husband Dr. Glenn E. Cook, and brother Dr. Dino Carozza. She is survived by her children: Alba Maria Cook, Diana Cook (Philip Swettenham), M. Celeste Cook (Frank Carrino), Dr. J. Christian Cook (Dr. Catherine Cook), and Anna Maria DasGupta (Arigit DasGupta) and grandchildren: M. Angelica Carrino (Brendan Shefcik), Nina Carrino, Andrew Cook, Catherine Cook, Arianna DasGupta and Gianna DasGupta.

Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Wednesday, September 28, 2022 at 11:00am at Sts.  Peter & Paul Catholic Church, 161 W. Clinton St., Doylestown, OH. Burial will follow at Sherwood Memorial Gardens in Wooster, OH. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Fr. Robert E. Stein Memorial Fund  made payable to Sts. Peter & Paul Catholic Church. Online obituary and guest registry are available at www.zakmonbarrenfh.com

(Zak-Thacker & Monbarren, 330-658-2211)

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