NORTHAMPTON - Phyllis “Cooky” Blakesley passed away on September 10, 2014 at the age of 80 . She passed comfortably at Calvin Coolidge Nursing home. Cooky was born in Los Angeles, California where she spent most of her life until she made Northampton, MA her home in 1977.
Cooky got her nickname at Camp River Glen in California where she was the head cook for several summers. She was a cafeteria worker in the public and private school system all her life including her last job at Smith College. She worked at both Comstock/Wilder and Talbott House. Smith College is where Cooky met her best friend for over 30 years; Louise “Weezy” Pedruczny.
Cooky loved life, animals (dogs especially); she loved music; especially Barbra Streisand and Judy Garland. Cooky always had a bright smile and a contagious laugh. She was spontaneous and had a great sense of humor. She made friends easily and those friends were for life.
Cooky is survived by her three daughters; Debbie Blakesley, Julie Haas and Brenda Howard and their spouses. Cooky was blessed with 5 grandchildren, 8 great-grandchildren and another on the way.
There will be no public service for Cooky, as the family has planned a private memorial to share their memories. We want to thank the staff at Rockridge Retirement Home and the staff at Calvin Coolidge where Cooky spent her last months. We know she will be missed by many.
New England Funeral & Cremation Center, LLC 25 Mill Street, Springfield, MA has been entrusted with the arrangements. Visit
www.nefcc.net