Christine Cookson

Madison – Christine Elizabeth Morrison Cookson, age 87, of Madison, Wisconsin, died peacefully on May 3, 2021, surrounded by family, and lovingly cared for by Agrace HospiceCare. Christine was a remarkable woman.  She touched many lives with her generous and positive spirit, charm, intelligence, and beautifully expressive nature.

Christine was born the third of nine children in Wellsville, New York, to Sarabelle and Dr. Phillips Morrison, residing in Bolivar.  She enjoyed her small town childhood in the hills of western New York, but loved the summers her family spent playing at the beach, eating crabs, and sailing on the New Jersey seashore. Christine attended Simmons College, graduating with a Medical Records Librarian degree, and working at the Harvard Medical School cafeteria. There she met medical student David Cookson, and the couple were soon married in 1954. Christine began her most cherished life’s work, to raise her children and build a strong and enduring partnership with her husband. Family life proceeded with homes in Madison for Dave’s internship, St. Paul for his residency, and Florida’s Eglin Air Force Base for military service. Christine and David settled in Madison permanently when he began his medical practice there in 1961. Four children were raised in the loving home they created on Lake Mendota. After retirement Christine (AKA Dearma to her grandchildren) and David enjoyed winters in Carefree, Arizona until 1991, and thereafter in Jupiter, Florida.

Christine enjoyed a strong golf game and many friends at Maple Bluff, Desert Forest, and Jupiter Hills.  With her keen mind and quietly competitive spirit she also never turned down an opportunity for a game of bridge. Any group that needed a volunteer could count on Christine Cookson raising her hand.  She took on Brownie and Cub Scout pack leadership, Meals On Wheels delivery, and was a Director of the Women’s Western Golf Association, conducting many of their championship tournaments across the Midwest. She was a Hockey Mom, a Great Books leader at Spring Harbor Elementary School, taught Sunday School at the First Unitarian Society, and worked diligently with the PTA to improve the English program in the upper grade levels.  She was an avid reader and crossword puzzler, especially enjoying Jane Austen and British detective novels.  Above all else Christine was proud to call herself a Homemaker.  Family and friends were sure to find an excellent meal, witty conversation, laughter, comfort, serenity, and loving kindness in her home. Christine’s magnificent roast beef dinner with traditional Yorkshire pudding made family celebrations truly special.

Christine’s life was dedicated to the well-being of her family and 65-year marriage.  She devoted unwavering love and care to her late husband Dr. David Cookson (died August 7, 2019), and is survived by her four children, David (Lynn) Cookson, Daniel (Holly) Cookson, Sondra (Eugene) McLinn, and Matthew (Gail) Cookson; her many beloved grandchildren; and a growing number of great-grandchildren.  She is also survived by her siblings, Phil Morrison, Gale Glenn, Brooke Megrue, Scott Morrison, Lynne Jensen, Debbie Corliss, and Kim Morrison. She was preceded in death by her sister, Sondi Bostic.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be sent to the Madison Reading Project , or the Agrace Foundation .