Phyllis A. Cook

Phyllis Ann (Lankalis) Cook, age 80, of Weare, NH, and formerly Rockport and Chelmsford, MA, passed away on October 7, 2019.

Born in Lowell, MA, in 1938, Phyllis began her lifelong journey of education, travel, and motherhood.

Her teaching career spanned over 60 years, from her early graduation from both high school and college until her recent retirement in 2018. She was a brilliant educator who helped countless students become fellow teachers, doctors, or whatever they dreamed to be. All she asked for in return was help bringing her red geraniums into her classroom for the winter months. Phyllis was truly a pioneer of her time in many ways—owning her own home as a single woman at the age of 20 is a prime example.

In addition to teaching, Phyllis was a world traveler, having been to Italy, Ireland, Canada, Germany, Japan, and Hawaii, amongst other places. One of her all-time favorite adventures was a cross-country trip in a light blue VW Beetle for six weeks right out of college.

Phyllis considered her children her greatest achievement and was proud of the people they became, and in turn, they were thankful she was their mom.
She is survived by: her son Michael Cook of Weare and his sons Timmy and Matt; her daughter Elizabeth McSweeney and her husband Ian of Weare, and their sons Dylan and Bridger; along with a wonderful and widespread group of dear friends who will miss her very much.

Funeral arrangements are being made by the Phaneuf Funeral Homes & Crematorium in Manchester, NH, and a gathering to celebrate Phyllis will be announced at a later date. Please check back to the website for more information, as it will be updated periodically, and email Liz and Mike at memorialforphyllis@gmail.com to receive future notifications as plans are finalized.

In lieu of flowers please send donations to: Humane Society of Lowell, In Honor of Phyllis Cook, 951 Broadway Street, Lowell, MA 01854. (This wonderful organization connected our family with the majority of our childhood pets.)