A loyal Longwood Lady: Joan Matthews Cook ’38

Joan Matthews Cook ’38, a past A.O.L. Alumnae Association president, died of cancer June 26 at Christ Hospital in Oak Lawn, IL. A longtime loyal A.O.L. alumna, Joan served as Alumnae president in1968 and 1969. She also served as the Alumnae Board’s publicity chairman for a number of years, and she assisted with the Longwood reunion whenever her class celebrated a five-year anniversary. Whenever she was asked to help on an Alumnae project, she said, “Anything for good old Longwood.”

At Joan’s wake a tray of Fannie May candies offered her favorite chocolates to all who attended. The program for her funeral Mass at Most Holy Redeemer Church included a reflection by her granddaughter, Katie Oliva, whose memories of Joan included “peanut butter and jelly sandwiches on hot dog buns,” “playing ‘I see something that begins with . . .’ ” and “giving me some of the best times of my life.”

After living in Beverly and being active in Christ the King parish for many years, Joan moved to Evergreen Park. She remained active in the TWL Club, which provides activities for “those with leisure.” A retired Chicago public elementary school teacher, Joan also worked in real estate.

Four of Joan’s daughters attended A.O.L.: Kathleen Cook Starnicky ’67, Joan Cook Malone ’69, Marian Cook and Carol Cook Tobin ’73. Joan also is survived by another daughter, Janet Cook Fashingbauer, 10 grandchildren, seven great-grandchildren, a brother, John Matthews, and sister-in-law, Mary Ann Sherman Matthews (A.O.L ’48). Joan’s husband, Tom, died in 2003.

Alumnae Association members will keep Joan and her family in their prayers.