Audrey Mae (Manning) Cook
January 5, 1926 to September 24, 2021
Raised an Ontario farm girl in the 1920s and 30s, Audrey was a keen and accomplished student. But upon completing Grade 8 she was required to start paid employment as a Domestic/Nanny in the home of a local family whose worldly Wife/Mom generously schooled Audrey in etiquette, fine cooking, literature, and music. At 18, Audrey married the love of her life, Francis Cook, and during her 20s they amazingly delivered two daughters and three sons while operating a family business. Then, through her 30s and 40s, after Francis abruptly entered university Theology studies and worked as pastor for three rural congregations, Audrey fearlessly and magically fed, clothed, nurtured and educated the family of seven on a literal churchmouse income.
When Audrey was 71, after husband Francis suddenly died, she obtained her first-ever Driver’s License and began enjoying 27 years of singlehood indulging family and friends. In September 2021, in her 96th year, her sweetly mischievous smile still charmingly at work and having decided life can last too long, Audrey gradually contentedly slipped into peaceful endless sleep.
Throughout her life, Audrey quietly gave constant, absolute encouragement and support to every one fortunate to be close to her. Everything she was and did came from immense quiet, grace, selflessness, and resolve. She never sought attention but was always there steadfastly leading from behind, and others unconditionally trusted and followed her lead, often without conscious awareness. Whenever asked if she believed in a life after death, Audrey said we each live on in the values and actions of the people we influenced during our lives.
In Audrey’s memory, this Award supports women pursuing education to improve their employment and career prospects by providing monetary assistance to help reduce the financial burden of a post-secondary education and provide some peace of mind. Preference will be given to applicants who are enrolled in programs leading to non-traditional occupations, e.g. Programs in the School of Trades and Apprenticeship and the School of Engineering.
Giving by mail:
Please make cheques payable to Conestoga College and mail to:
Advancement Department
Conestoga College
299 Doon Valley Dr
Kitchener, ON N2G 4M4
Please write on the cheque's Memo line: Audrey Cook Award.
All donations are eligible for a charitable tax receipt and 100% of the gift will be directed to the Audrey Cook Award.
If you have any questions or concerns please feel free to contact Julie Gillis at 519-748-5220 x 3285
Giving online: