Cari Cook Memorial Website

This website has been created to honor and celebrate the life of Cari Lyn Cook.   With her infectious laugh, limitless smiles, and undaunting love of her family and friends, Cari is sorely missed.

She was a proud mother of two young children - and as a parent her love, selflessness and patience with them was limitless.  She lived for her children.  Like the family she grew up in, it was her dream to create a big and loving family of her own.

Her husband and best friend knew that they would be spending their entire lives together enjoying their family, friends, trips to the park & zoo, vacations, parties, baseball and football games, and even all the struggles that they would face along the way.  Life for them was perfect and the love he had for her can never be replaced.  Their beautiful kids are constant reminders of her presence.

Her mom, sisters, and brother were a constant part of her life.  Never a day would go by without visiting or talking to multiple members of her family.  Every single conversation with Matt, family and friends ended with bye, I love you, for without it the conversation would not end.  Every time someone entered the room or visited the house or just drove by on the street, they were greeted with a hello or a wave of the hand.  This special effort made certain that everyone felt welcome and knew that she cared and loved for them with all her heart.  Unfortunately, the day she left us the only communication was a kiss and goodbye from her husband as she lay in bed before he left for work.

She was a friend, a teacher, and a waitress.  She was so real and was never afraid to offer her true and honest opinion.  She touched the lives of many different people; her husband, her family, her friends, the children she taught, her co-workers and so many more.  Her love, her passion, her laughter, her smile, her personality, and her effort to keep in constant contact with distant friends will never be forgotten.

Please join us in this ongoing celebration of Cari’s life.  You are invited to make a contribution to the Cook Family Fund, view some of the many photographs, sign the guestbook, or sign up to stay connected to some of the many loved ones that Cari so dearly loved.

Support the Cook Family and get your "Family, Cari, Friends" wristband to help remember Cari's legacy!

Although Carson and Ellie will have the love and support of many friends and family, life will not be easy as Matt tries to raise two young children while providing for his family. While the Cook family grieves the loss of Cari, please consider supporting them through a donation to the Cook Family Fund, which has been set up to cover future expenses that may include education, child care, medical, or any other costs related to the needs of the children. Donate $25 or more and receive the wristband as pictured above. This custom bracelet is purple with the very fitting words "Family, Cari, Friends" across the front and "Slow down, enjoy life" on the back.

To order your bracelet please donate via the Paypal button below

or to mail any Donations email us at: donations@cookfamilyfund

Checks can be made payable to the Cook Family Fund

March 10, 2010

Cops & Kids raise $2,600 for Cari Cook Family Fund

The family of Cari Lyn Cook, the young Countryside mother who was struck and killed last May while crossing 47th St with her two small children, received a check for $2,600 at tonight's meeting of the Countryside city council.


Countryside Interim Chief of Police Scott Novak presents Matt Cook, holding daughter Ellie, with a symbolic check for $2,600 as Mayor Robert Conrad looks on.

The money was raised at the 13th Annual Cops & Kids basketball tournament held February 18 at Gurrie Middle School in La Grange.

To learn more about the event, watch the video below. To learn more about the Cari Lyn Cook Family Fund, click here to visit the website.



Source: Everthing Lagrange - http://everythinglagrange.typepad.com/the_daily/2010/03/cops-kids-raise-2500-for-cari-cook-family-fund.html

By Joe Sinopoli, This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it
Suburban Life Publications
Posted Feb 09, 2010 @ 11:12 AM
Last update Feb 09, 2010 @ 11:18 AM
La Grange, IL — The formation of a Public Safety Commission was resurrected by the Village Board Monday, Feb. 8. But questions remain as to what the duties of such a commission would have — or if it is even needed.

Trustee Michael Horvath, who raised the issue, said such a commission sends a message to the pubic that public safety is just as important as economic development to the community. He likened the commission to the village’s current Community and Economic Development Commission.

“I see it as a value add and a resource that would really help the community improve its ability to understand what public safety issues are and deliver public safety solutions — no different than any other commissions we have,” he said.

Village President Elizabeth Asperger said residents can always participate and provide input with all issues, particularly with respect to public safety.

“But these issues tend not to be as simple on their face as they are in reality, they can be very complex,” Asperger said. “When you consider a particular traffic safety issue, whether it’s vehicular safety or pedestrian movement, very small changes can have very significant consequences that might not be apparent at first blush.”

That, she said, is why the community relies on its professional staff which is studied, well versed and knows the entire community.

“And quite frankly, that’s our job as elected officials to evaluate that as residents and representatives of the whole community, and make the policy decisions we need to make, ensuring that they don’t simply affect one group of folks, but that we look at the whole community picture,” she said.

Horvath said his vision is that of an advisory commission.

“I don’t think it’s a policy making body nor do I see it as a judiciary body on the delivery of public service,” he said. “I see it more as an input, sounding board communications vehicle, organizational assistance, information assistance. It would assist staff, not hinder it. I think there is some really good expertise in the community.”

Horvath first called for the formation of the commission last year following the death of Countryside resident Cari Cook, who was killed while crossing 47th Street on May 19. Cook’s death prompted a community meeting between some 200 residents, state and village officials. A series of safety improvements along 47th Street and other part so of the village have been completed and more are being planned as an outcome.

“I just think it puts an official stamp on public safety,” Horvath said. “It’s not that we’re doing a bad job, I would like to see an improvement.”

Source: La Grange Suburban Life - http://www.mysuburbanlife.com/lagrange/topstories/x644565667/Village-Board-again-raises-safety-comimission-issue