FAIRFIELD – Marcia Fuller Cook, age 76 of Fairfield, died surrounded by family on Jan. 11, 2018 at Central Maine Medical Center in Lewiston. She was born in Northampton, MA to the Rev. Clarence and Anora (Peavey) Fuller.
Marcia spent her childhood in Melrose, MA and cherished summers at the family camp on Lake Winnipesaukee where she was known for a mean game of “keep-away” and for boating across the lake alone joyfully singing “Rock Around the Clock” at the top of her lungs as if nobody could hear.
While attending the University of Maine in Orono she met Keith E. Cook, and they were married on June 15th, 1963. She taught elementary school in the Greater Bangor Area for several years before taking a break to raise three children: Scott Fuller, Michael Keith, and Laurie Beth Cook.
Having completed a Master’s degree in Adult Literacy at the University of Maine, Marcia entered a career of service in the Maine adult education system. She had a deep and profound commitment to adult literacy and served in several leadership positions both as administrator and teacher, most recently at the Maine State Department of Education and the Winthrop School District. She led by her passionate example, and she held her colleagues dearly.
She enjoyed reading, music, time with her family, and most recently loved playing ukulele with the Merry Plinksters in Farmington as well as other local ensembles. She performed in the spirit of service at community and civic events as well as the Central Maine Homeless Shelter. This experience brought her great joy and the opportunity to share her joy with others.
Marcia loved the ocean and cherished time she spent with family at Pemaquid Point. She was a member of the Waterville United Church of Christ, and enjoyed volunteering within the church community where she provided leadership on the Mission Committee. Marcia’s welcoming personality found common ground within diversity. She was an active member of the central Maine community, and those who knew her appreciated her kind and joyful spirit. She was positive, caring, and loved to laugh.
She is survived by her loving husband, Keith Cook of Fairfield, ME, sister Carolyn (Everett) Fuchs of Hudson, WI, brother David (Susan) Fuller of Willoughby Hills, OH, children Scott Cook (Megan Landry) of Gorham, ME, Michael Cook of Centreville, VA and Laurie Cook of Columbus, OH, grandchildren Sean Cook of Newport, RI, Rebecca Cook of Waterville, ME, Isabelle Cook of Gorham, ME, and Carter Landry of Gorham, ME, great granddaughter Lily Cook of Newport, RI, cousins Judy Field of Falmouth, ME, Lynn Kimball of New Harbor, ME, Steven (Charlotte) Van Vliet of Port Charlotte, FL, Brenner Fuller of Antrim, NH, and Cynthia Fuller of Barrington, RI.
A Memorial and Celebration of Life will be held at 2 p.m. on Saturday Jan. 20 at the Waterville United Church of Christ, 7 Eustis Pkwy, Waterville, ME 04901.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Marcia’s name to the Maine Cancer Foundation at www.mainecancer.org or the Mid-Maine Homeless shelter at http://www.shelterme.org/donate1.html.
Arrangements by Dan & Scott’s Cremation & Funeral Service, Skowhegan.
Maria’s family. I am so sorry for your loss. I knew Marcia from adult education as well as attendance at the Humor Conference in NY. Marcia was a wonderful, caring individual who loved adult education and helping students reach their personal goals. She will be sadly missed by all who knew her. We have lost a huge member of our adult education community.
Marcia was a very special person and sister. You don’t find many people who cared as much as she did. Marcia you are loved and you will be missed.
Marcia was like my second mom when I was growing up. I am friends with her daughter Laurie, and spent A LOT of time at their house. I’m pretty sure I was super annoying. I loved her laugh. Laurie and I kept her awake giggling at night, and she would tell us to settle down. It usually worked the second or third time. There are lots of fond memories. She will be missed. So very sorry for your loss. All my love, Stacy
Marcia will be greatly missed!
Marcia Cook and I worked together for many, many years in adult education. I so enjoyed her company, her insight and her sense of humor. Her passion for adult literacy was unending and she was an inspiration to many of her colleagues, including me. I know I will miss her positive nature, her laugh and her friendship…
RIP Marcia.
Our two families grew up together in Melrose and at Lake Winnepesaukee. I carry many fond memories of our numerous time together. Marcia and Cally were close in age to me and my brother Steve, while David and my brother John were both younger, but close in age. Marcia is certainly very much alive in my memories of our childhood.
As my brother Scott said we Norris boys – Scott, Steve, and John – grew up with the fuller children. Marcis and Cslly were really the first girls I knew. What a blessing to play Peter Pan in their living room in Melrose and to swim and play together at Lake Winnipesaukee. What a profound grounding in the important parts of childhood, boyhood and life. In my mind Marcia is a little like Mount Chicorua which we climbed together I think. And her dad came to my wife’s and my wedding in Roxbury Mass in 1982. Circles that keep returning.
Marcia’s presence in the field of adult education will be sorely missed. She was a tireless supporter of the disenfranchised learner, a true advocate for the disadvantaged. Although we did not know each other well, our hearts dwelled in the same territories. The world is a better place because of Marcia. I’m sure that her Soul soars high in the Heavens and that her Spirit will continue to provide guidance to those in need of encouragement and direction. May you Rest in Peace, Marcia.
We’re missing one of the greatest gigglers of all time. We will always hold dear our memories of the Fuller, Norris, Bond adventures; Christmas (even the one we had in July), all of our trips to Bear Island (the Bonds arriving at dawn), the many trips to and from Orono. How lucky we were to have had Marcia spreading her all inclusive zest for life. It was hard not to be engulfed in her joy.. We are saddened by this loss but comforted by these memories as should you, her precious family. Our thoughts and prayers are with you all.
Marsha will be missed by many…she was Stacy’s second mom as Laurie was like a daughter to me…many great memories…she always had a smile…love you all…