Myrtle Ann (Cooke) Thompson

Myrtle Ann Cooke was born in Boston Massachusetts on June 8, 1935.  Born the youngest of eight to the parents of Charles and Lillian Cooke and siblings, Charles, William, Josephine, Marguerite, James, Marie, and Arthur.  At the age of 13, Myrtle received a certificate in solfege and later sang for Billy Graham during his visit to Boston in 1949.  In 1949, Myrtle also received a certificate from the City of Boston recognizing her degree of excellence in Rapid Modern Handwriting.  Myrtle enjoyed stenography, shorthand, and was known for her superior typing speed.  Myrtle graduated from Roxbury Memorial High School for Girls in 1953 and continued her education at Boston Business School, graduating in 1954.

Myrtle adopted her adored child Michelle at the young age of 25.  Her love for children inspired her to sponsor other children through the “Save the Children” charity.  She supported the charity on a monthly basis throughout her life and always kept her sponsored children’s pictures on the refrigerator.  They were near and dear to her heart.

Myrtle worked for the City of Boston as an Executive Assistant to the Director of the Boston Redevelopment Authority.  One of her most fondest memories was when she was asked to fly to Washington, DC, on the spot, to hand deliver a confidential memorandum.

Myrtle raised her four girls, Michelle (deceased), Gena, Kim, and Dawn in Sharon, Massachusetts.  She was a dedicated mother, treasured her children, a second mom to many, and loved her role as Nana.  Myrtle delighted in connecting with others.  She enjoyed talking about current events, politics, everyday life, and loved to laugh.

At a young age, Myrtle mastered the game of Rummy 500.  She taught her girls how to play and it became a part of family fun nights.  Myrtle’s favorite pastimes were taking strolls around the neighborhood, sitting on the waterfront, enjoying a hot fudge sundae, summer vacations on Martha’s Vineyard, and long weekend trips.  She also loved to watch “All My Children”, “Little House on the Prairie” and “Gunsmoke”. 

After her retirement, Myrtle was reunited with her longtime friend, Joseph Thompson, they soon married, and she relocated to Plymouth Massachusetts. They enjoyed 16 years of marriage until his passing.

Myrtle is survived by her three children Gena Cooke, Kim Cooke Wallace, and Dawn Besson; seven grandchildren: Calvin, Michaella, Bradford, Hilary, Michael, Hope, and Chad; one great grandson Raymond, with a great granddaughter on the way.  Myrtle also leaves a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, and dear friends.

In lieu of flowers, a donation may be made to Save the Children.

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