Beatrice Cook (Pursell)

Cook, Beatrice (Pursell)

Born June 4, 1933, In Jackson, Michigan, Beatrice P. Cook passed away on May 23 at her home. Her husband, Jackson businessman Addison Porter Cook, III (AP), children Ann Tappan (Steve) of Salado, TX, Sarah Trapnell (Zoë) of San Francisco, CA, James Trapnell (Annette) of Santa Rosa, CA, her three grandchildren and AP's three children survive her.

Bea left Jackson and her parents Jerry and Cassell Pursell for the University of Michigan, earning a degree in Psychiatric Nursing in 1955.  Bea then adventured to California, became head nurse at the Langley Porter Clinic in San Francisco, and, for the year she and her husband Richard lived in London, England, Bea was a consultant in psychiatric nursing.

Soon after returning from England, Bea became a mom. Children truly interested her; she loved learning how they looked at the world. An avid reader, Bea regularly marched her three charges to the library.  By enrolling her kids in art classes at the museum, Bea shared her love of art and painting. When Bea needed to find out what was going on with one of her kids, she'd invite them on a walk. But just hanging out with her kids in the kitchen made her happy.

Raising independent children meant Bea worked herself out of a job.  So, in 1972 she re-entered professional nursing and in 1980 earned a Master of Science degree in nursing administration at the University of California.  In 1985, following jobs in San Francisco and Sacramento, Bea became the Director of Nursing at Highland Hospital in Asheville, North Carolina where she also practiced psychotherapy.

While visiting her parents, Bea met AP, who had been a childhood friend of her brother Cass.  Bea and AP married in 1989, settled in Jackson and spent winters first in La Jolla, CA and later in Santa Barbara, CA.  Bea enjoyed her time in Jackson and built friendships while working on the symphony guild and volunteering as a docent at the art museum at U of M. She and AP traveled with the Ella Sharp Museum travel group and explored much of Europe until retiring permanently in Jackson. Bea was attended in her final years by Ruby Babcock and her loving caregiver team to whom we extend heartfelt gratitude and appreciation.

Bea will be remembered for her tenacity, strong character and curiosity.  A note in her journal suggests a fitting epitaph might read, "I will be right back." So, as was her wish, there will be no memorial service.

Desnoyer Funeral Home
Family Owned for 133 Years