Priscilla Mensing Cook

Priscilla Mensing Cook left her earthly home and joined her loved ones in heaven on January 4, 2023. She was born on April 8, 1934 to Willner and Carol Mensing in Baltimore, MD. In 1940 they relocated to Alexandria, VA where she spent her childhood. A graduate of GW High School, she attended Concordia Teachers College in River Forest, Il (now known as Concordia University Chicago). Following her graduation in 1955 she taught in several Lutheran schools in the outskirts of Chicago. In 1958 she moved to Kankakee, Il to teach at St. Paul’s Lutheran School. It was there that she met Carl Cook. Their first date was January 8, 1959. They became engaged on April 8th and were married on August 8th all that same year. In 1961, having relocated to Maywood, Il they had their first child, Willner, followed in 1963 by Carolee and in 1964 by Jean. In 1966 the family moved back to Alexandria where Priscilla returned to teaching at Immanuel Lutheran School. She taught there until her retirement in 1991 having touched the lives of countless children, leading them to Jesus. In her retirement she remained active at both Immanuel Church and School, serving on the board of education as well as an attendant in the carpool/kiss and ride lane. She was also a devoted wife, daughter, mother and grandmother, helping to care for her mother until her death in 2012 and frequently caring for her grandchildren. She was an enthusiastic hostess and loved throwing a party. She and Carl spent many hours crafting holiday wreaths for their front door. In 2019, suffering from Parkinson’s Disease, she became unable to remain in her home and moved to Sunrise of Alexandria. Her children are very thankful that this allowed her friends in Alexandria to continue to visit her. She was preceded in death by her parents and her husband of 54 years, Carl. She is survived by her son, Willner and his wife, Marian, and their family , daughters Carolee White and Jean Cook: also 6 grandchildren Danielle (Gene), Timothy (Kaitlin), Matthew (Sara), Emily (Ari), Nicholas and Erika and great grandchildren Sebastian and Charlotte. Additionally there are several surviving cousins, nieces and nephews. As a teacher for many years, Priscilla and the family requests that donations may be made to Immanuel Lutheran School in her honor.

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Priscilla Mensing Cook

April 8, 1934 - January 4, 2023