Nancy Cook

Nancy Ann Cannon Cook

1929 ~ 2023

Nancy Ann Cannon Cook, 94, passed away on July 27, 2023. She was born on March 26, 1929, in Hunter, Utah, to Spencer Croxall Cannon and Nancy Badger. Nancy's life was a testament to the power of love, service, and devotion to her family and community.

Growing up in a small home with eight brothers and sisters, Nancy was the fifth child, and her innate desire to help others began early in life. Throughout her childhood, she never hesitated to lend a hand to her siblings and those in need around her. She often helped her father in the early morning hours delivering milk in the Hunter, Magna, and Garfield area.

It was during her father's milk delivery rounds, where she met her future spouse, David, who worked at a small town meat market. Their friendship blossomed during high school, even while competing for Student Body presidency. Nancy graduated in 1947 from Cyprus High School as the student body president, while David was the Senior class president. Three years later they married and embarked on a journey that would see them raising a beautiful family of eight children.

Nancy pursued her passion for helping others by becoming a nurse. In 1951, she graduated from the LDS Hospital/University of Utah - DH Groves School of Nursing. Upon graduation she immediately obtained her license to practice nursing in the state of Virginia, where she cared for patients while her husband was recovering from a military accident during his time in the Navy. After a year in Virginia, they returned to their home in Taylorsville, Utah.

Nancy loved the outdoors, camping, and fishing right from the start. The family enjoyed many good times together camping and traveling around the west. They made frequent visits to the homes of their grandparents to shop, clean, and do yard work. Nancy taught by example and showed her children to work hard and work together. She always encouraged all to look for the best in people.

She spent many years working at the LDS Hospital from 1953 to 1977, earning the affectionate title of "neighborhood nurse." So beloved was she that neighbors often sought her assistance, and her children remember her calling down the stairs to "put the syringe on to boil, the neighbor is coming for his shot". Hers was always an open door to friends needing advice or medical attention. She created a warm and caring environment even in the most unexpected moments.

In 1977, Nancy and her husband moved to Vancouver, Washington, where she continued her bedside nursing career at Southwest Memorial Hospital for over 18 years.

In 1997, she embarked on a full-time proselyting mission for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in Raleigh, North Carolina. During her mission, Nancy found joy in serving and teaching others about the Savior's plan of happiness for our lives. She also fulfilled a calling as an ordinance worker in the Portland Oregon Temple for many years.

Following the completion of her mission in 1999, Nancy returned to work part-time as a hospice nurse at Southwest Memorial, going above and beyond to provide compassionate care. She became an incredible role model and mentor to her colleagues and patients alike.

Nancy's love for her children knew no bounds, and she always made sure they had every opportunity they desired. Her children knew they were cherished and valued above all else.

After retiring, Nancy devoted herself to caring for her siblings in their final days, sometimes moving in with them to provide the care and comfort. She epitomized the teachings of the Savior, showing through her actions how to love and care for others unconditionally.

She liked musicals, sudoku, cooking, and cleaning house. She wanted to visit church history sites and most of all have a reunion so that all her kids could be together. Nancy was an exceptional woman whose life was defined by love, service, and devotion to her family, friends, and community.

She is survived by seven of her eight children: Rebecca Davis (Phillip), North Ogden, Utah; Sally Boyce, Vancouver, Washington; Michael Cook, Amboy, Washington; Tom Cook, West Valley, Utah; Jody Cook-Herrera (Bernie), Lake Stevens, Washington; Jim Cook, Vancouver, Washington; Alan Cook, Moses Lake, Washington; and sibling: Michael B Cannon, West Valley, Utah; 18 grandchildren; 30 great-grandchildren; and 3 great-great-grandchildren.

She was preceded in death by her parents; siblings: John, Mary, Hugh, Glen, Donald, Riley, and Robert; her late spouse, David; infant son Joseph; son-in-law Clell Boyce; daughter-in-law Julie Cook; great-grandson Alex Szukala, and great-grandson Brandon Szukala.

Nancy will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved her. Her unwavering love, kindness, and willingness to serve will forever inspire those who follow in her footsteps.

Funeral services will be held on Friday, August 4, 2023, 11:00am at Jordan North 2nd Ward, 4270 South Falcon Street (4145 West), where a viewing will be held from 10:00-10:45am prior to the services.

For those wishing to livestream the service, it will be on the following youtube channel:  https://www.youtube.com/@jordannorth2ndward854/featured

Interment, Valley View Memorial Park.

Online condolences may be offered below.  

Funeral may be accessed on zoom link:  [will post as soon as available]

Luncheon for family members will be offered at North Ogden 4th ward, 1791 North 600 East North Ogden, UT