Obituary of Ellen Cooksy

Ellen Cooksy was born in Chicago, Illinois on September 22,1929. She passed away on October 10,2024, in Bloomington, MN. She was 95. Ellen grew up in Northbrook, Illinois, the only daughter of Scottish immigrants, Malcolm Anderson and Ellen Burns. Ellen is a distant relative of the famous Scottish poet, Robert Burns. She was chosen as Miss Chicago at age 17; once the judges realized she was not 18, they took the title from her. Ellen worked as a secretary for the Milwaukee Railroad in Chicago. She worked in the same office as another student from Northbrook, Dean Cooksy. They married on Ellen’s birthday in 1951. Dean rose quickly in the railroad, which led to many moves around the United States: Philadelphia, PA, Davenport, Iowa, Minneapolis, MN, San Francisco, CA. and back again to Chicago. Ellen was the rock for her family. They raised 5 children, Laurie, David, Brad, Kevin and Douglas. Ellen kept a firm hand on raising the kids while Dean worked and traveled for the railroad.

While raising her children, Ellen became an accomplished seamstress. She made many of her family’s clothes. They often went on vacation with Dean and the four boys in matching shirts and Ellen and Laurie in the same fabric, matching dresses. She worked for the men’s clothing store, Cedric’s, for many years providing tailoring for his clients. She made beautiful wedding gowns for several friends and for Laurie.

Once Dean retired, they moved to Rancho Bernardo, CA where they lived a wonderful life on a golf course, and it was here that Ellen blossomed as an artist. She became the president of the area Art Association, taught art in the local grade school and did many paintings commissioned by the well-known group, Angel Flight. Her painting of a famous jockey hangs in the club house of the Del Mar Racetrack. Family has many of her works hanging in their homes.

Ellen was most proud of her children, grandchildren and great grandchildren. Nothing gave her more pleasure then being with her kids. Ellen had 5 children, 13 grandchildren, and 13 great grandchildren. Ellen recently celebrated her 95th birthday at which many of her 31 offspring attended. She will best be remembered there, smiling, loving her birthday cake and ice cream and singing along to her Happy Birthday song.