COOK, Bessie
Posted: August 26th, 2025
COOK Bessie Taylor Cook, age 86, of Magrath, passed away August 22, 2025 in Magrath Alberta.
Bessie is survived by her husband of 66 years, James Cook, and five children: Cam (Debbie) Cook, Byrne (Dari) Cook, Alison (Monte) Bourne, Ron (Leisha) Cook, and Mindy (Ryan) Blackmore. She is also survived by twenty grandchildren and twenty-six great grandchildren.
She was born February 25, 1939, daughter of Walter and Lillian Taylor and was the oldest of five children: Shirley, Robert, John and Kim. She learned to sing and play the violin, and loved spending time with her Aunt Frances and Uncle Willie. She excelled in school and after graduation took training in Edmonton to be a Medical/Dental Secretary.
She married James Cook in the Cardston Temple August 26, 1959. Together they moved back to the farm full-time in 1964, and spent the next 61 years there.
Above all, Bessie was a hard worker. She laboured every summer in their huge garden, canning and preserving for the winter, one of her specialties being her Choke Cherry syrup.
She was a skilled seamstress sewing numberless dresses and quilts, and enjoyed doing handiwork. Her grandchildren cherish the baby blankets she lovingly provided for them
She was an excellent cook, her specialities including an unduplicated chop suey and the hundreds of egg salad sandwiches for those trips to the ridge.
Bessie’s life was built upon a foundation of faith, family and service. A life long member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints, she served faithfully in many capacities including several years as a Blazer Scout leader, Young Women’s president and multiple positions in the Relief Society. Bessie sang in a trio with Charlotte Fletcher and Marie Stevenson accompanied by Carol Lowry at what seemed like every funeral and wedding. In her later years with her husband Jim, she served missions to the Bishops Storehouse and the Del Bonita Branch.
Bessie was a dedicated wife, mother and grandmother and lived her life with grace and dignity. She leaves a remarkable legacy for her posterity who miss her greatly and will treasure her memory.
A Funeral service will be held at 11 a.m. Wednesday August 27 at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter day Saints, Magrath Stake Centre. Friends can meet the family prior to the service from 10:00 a.m. to 10:45 a.m. Interment to follow at the Magrath Cemetery.
To Watch the Service or send condolences please visit www.legacyfuneralhome.ca
I grew up neighbors to the Taylors. Kadanagas house was just between our homes. Her mother taught me in Mutual and was a cherished Relief Society president when I returned to Magrath to raise our family. I remember well Bessie on her violin and the popular trio which sang for so many events. I have known and appreciated her children for many years.
What a beautiful picture of her in her young adult years. I am grateful for being able to love and appreciate Bessie and Jim for so many years. I am sure she is grateful to be released from all the health issues she endured. She has set us all a great example.