Mary "Moya" Julia Catherine Cook

In 1923, Mary Julia Catherine Ledwith Cook (Moya Cook) was born the village of Middletown, County Armagh, Northern Ireland. She spent most of her childhood on a farm with her parents and seven siblings outside the city of Armagh, Northern Ireland. After the sudden loss of her mother at twelve years of age, Moya helped keep her family together by taking on the role of mother for her four sisters and two brothers. Moya completed her primary education and began a lifelong pursuit of learning. She was able to earn teaching certificates from the Royal College of Music in Piano and Secondary Education. Moya lived in Northern Ireland during World War II where she began working for the Northern Irish Government for the Ministry of Agriculture. In post-war World War II, Moya made the decision to immigrate to the United States in search of adventure and economic opportunities. She booked her passage to the US on a ship and set out with only a small amount of savings. She arrived in New York City and was greeted by two relatives whom she had never met before. With her trademark skill and tenacity, Moya immediately secured employment and worked in accounting and bookkeeping in some of New York’s largest Insurance and Advertising firms. Moya made great friends and was flourishing, but life in New York City was not to the liking of the Irish country girl and once again she exhibited the courage to seek out new adventures. Moya had briefly returned to Ireland when a chance meeting with a cousin who lived in Los Angeles, changed the course of her life. Moya decided to return to the US before her visa expired. She always recalled her cross-country trip in a propeller driven airplane. Moya often spoke fondly about leaving rainy and stormy New York and Chicago and landing on a picturesque sunny morning in Burbank, California. She loved the warmth and opportunities in Los Angeles and quickly secured employment in the aerospace industry. Joined by her sister Vera, both her career and personal life thrived. In Los Angeles, she met the love of her life, Robert Cook. Bob as he was known, and Moya shared a deep sense of love and comfort. They wed in 1957 and grew their family with three children, Mary (Henriksen-Wilson), Deirdre (Wheeler), and Brendan Cook. In 1968 Bob accepted employment with the State of California, which resulted in a move to the Sacramento area. They put down roots in Fair Oaks. Moya and Bob were active members of St Mel’s Catholic Church. Moya was a woman of strong faith which she passed along to her children and the countless other children during the 25 years she taught St. Mel’s Catechism classes. Moya was a loving and protective mother. In her mid-life, she returned to the workforce where her bookkeeping skills shined. In 1998, Moya grieved the loss of Bob. She found solace and support with family and friends from the Mercy San Juan Hospital Chapel and St. Johns Catholic Church. In addition to her children, Moya is survived by her grand children Brian Henriksen, Brigid Wheeler, Elena Cook, and Robert C. Cook, and great grandchildren Brian Henriksen Jr, and Martine Henriksen. She also leaves many beloved nieces and nephews, close friends, and wonderful caretakers who assisted her over the last couple of years and were a constant source of support.

Vigil Rosary: Friday, May 19, 2023, 6pm, Price Funeral Chapel, 6335 Sunrise Blvd, Citrus Heights, CA
Mass Services: Saturday, May 20, 2023, 10am at St Johns Catholic Church, 5751 Locust Ave, Carmichael, CA
Internment: Calvary Cemetery, Saturday, May 20, 2:30pm 7101 Verner Ave, Citrus Heights, CA 

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