Obituary of Wanda (Williams) Cook

Wanda (Williams) Cook died peacefully on January 20, 2021 in the company of her two sons.  She was the daughter of Hazel I. and Preston R. Williams.  She was married to the late Olav N. Cook for more than sixty years until his death. Raised in Milton, she graduated Milton High School at the age of sixteen.  Wanda was accepted at Wellesley but chose to attend Simmons because she believed a business degree would be more “useful”.  She graduated magna cum laude from Simmons with degrees in Business and Spanish and was elected Secretary of the Class of 1946.  Her children remember “stuffing envelopes” every year for various Simmons fundraisers.  Later, as an alumna, she served as President of her class for many years.  She had looked forward to attending her seventy-fifth reunion later this year.  Wanda loved a good party.

Wanda was an only child and had a happy childhood in Milton. She summered at her family’s home in southern Quebec and was fluent in French and, later, Spanish.  In her teen years, her cousin Betty came to live with the family and they became as close as sisters and the best of friends.  After college, as maid of honor at Betty’s wedding, she met her future husband Olav who was the best man. She once described her husband as “the strongest man I ever met” and, upon meeting, each felt destined to marry the other.

After marrying, Wanda joined her new husband in New York City where she found work translating contracts for an import/export company.   The couple eventually returned to Massachusetts, first settling in Wollaston to start a family. They later moved to Marshfield and ultimately lived in Kingston during their retirement.  

Wanda was profoundly unpretentious and social status meant nothing to her.  The quality of one’s work rather than the title of one’s position was what mattered to her.  “Just do it” was her unofficial motto, long before Nike copyrighted the slogan.  While she had little patience for whining, she had greatcapacity to love and support those who were doing their best but needed help.  She was a wonderful mother.  She knew that she was loved by her sons.

Wanda is survived by her son Roger and his wife Linda of Kingston; son Christopher and his wife Ellen of Andover; grandsons Tim, Andrew, Matt, and Charlie; and former daughter-in-law Maureen Cook of Bedford.  She was predeceased by two sons and a daughter, all of whom died in infancy.

Due to the pandemic, there will be a private graveside service. Donations in her name may be made to the charity of one’s choice.