Windsor, VT – Debra Kathy Ward Cook, 73, died on April 10, 2026, at her daughter’s home in Windsor, Vermont with family and friends in attendance after a lengthy illness. She was born on July 17, 1952, in Sylvester, Georgia, the daughter of Eddie and Desma Lucille Ward.
Debra graduated from Turner County High School in Ashburn, Georgia in 1970. Debra met and married Daniel Cook in November, 1968, 57 years ago. Following High School, Debra lived in Ashburn, Georgia then moved to Rome, Georgia working in sewing factories, finally moving to Norwich, Vermont in 1977. In Norwich she worked at Green Mountain/Mascoma Bank in several positions.
In 1998, at the age of forty-six, Debra decided to take a Nursing Assistant Course, she had always wanted to be a Nurse. In May of 2000, she achieved her goal graduating from New Hampshire Technical College as a Licensed Practical Nurse. Debra worked in Nursing for the next 19 years, the last 15 1/2 years at Wheelock Terrace in the Memory Care Unit.
Debra always enjoyed cooking for her family and for years hosted holiday dinners. Upon retirement she became known as Grammy to family and friends. Debra is survived by her husband, Daniel Cook, of Norwich, two daughters, Moriah Tidwell and Husband Michael of Windsor, Vermont, Katherine Jameson and Husband Dan of Canaan, New Hampshire, 7 Grandchildren, one great granddaughter, and one sister, Cindy Ward Smith of Bonifay, Florida. She was predeceased by her parents Eddie and Desma Lucille Ward, one daughter Desma Ruth Oickle, one grandson Ryan Jackob Oickle, two brothers WL and Tommy Ward, four sisters Claudine Conn, Sheb Haynes, Barbara Anna Burdette, and Linda Shirah.
A Graveside Burial Service will be on Saturday, on April 25, 2026, at 11AM in the family lot in Hillside Cemetery in Norwich. There are no calling hours.
A Celebration of Life will be held from 1 to 5 PM at Poorhouse Bar-B-Q, 1177 US RT 4 in Canaan, New Hampshire. Food will be provided.
In lieu of flowers, donations in Mrs. Cook’s memory may be sent to any study of Dementia or Alzheimer’s.
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