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Nann Hegmann Cooke

A bright and shining light has left the world. Nann Hegmann Cooke of Westbrook, danced her way into heaven in the company of angels, on Nov. 17. She leaves behind, here on earth, her wife and loving companion of 25 years, Kathleen F. Maurer, MD, also of Westbrook; her daughters, Kim Cooke of Boston, Massachusetts, Kris Cooke of Gainesville, Florida, and Sara Cooke-Person (Steve Person) of Kearney, Missouri; her granddaughters, Ryan Cooke, Emilee Person, and Shalyn Person; and her brother Ed Hegmann II of Fredericksburg, Virginia.

Nann was born on Aug. 31, 1939, in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, to Mary Louise Haddock and Edward H. Hegmann. She attended Winchester Thurston School in Pittsburgh. Nann graduated from Lake Erie College with a B.A. in English and Theatre Arts. In 1962, she married Alfred F. Cooke, III, “Bud”, and they settled in Madison, where they raised their three daughters. Nann and Bud later divorced and shared a friendship through the time of Bud’s death in June 2022.

While working and parenting, Nann returned to school and completed her M.S. in Special Education at Southern Connecticut State University. Nann taught special education at Daniel Hand High School (DHHS) in Madison, for nearly 35 years. Her colleagues have praised her for the impact that she made on her students, and her outstanding professional capabilities. They also expressed appreciation for Nann’s willingness to mentor and support students and staff alike.

Nann was a passionate, determined supporter of myriad social justice and community-oriented causes. She was humble and preferred to lead by example. Beginning in 1970, Nann was an active supporter of the Madison A Better Chance (ABC) program. In addition to being a founding member of Madison ABC, over many years, Nann served as Student Affairs co-chair, Academic Committee Chair, academic tutor, and volunteer staff at Act II Thrift Shop. Nann also directed her energy, enthusiasm, and commitment to other area social and environmental causes, including the local chapter of PFLAG, early involvement in Madison’s recycling program, The Shoreline Soup Kitchens & Pantries, and Meals on Wheels. An advocate for LGBTQ people, Nann created a safe space for students in her office at DHHS and spoke publicly in an effort to increase public understanding and acceptance.

Nann’s religious faith and spiritual life offered her strength and direction. She was a lifelong member of the North Madison Congregational Church (NMCC) and served in several leadership positions. She would never turn down a request to use her many skills and talents in support of the church and its many activities. She sang in the church choir and was a very willing leader and volunteer for many fundraising events including the annual antique show and harvest dinner.

Nann was never adverse to having a good time, whether checking out local eateries with her Ladies Lunch Club, “tootling” with members of the decades-old recorder group of which she was a founder, engaging in deep discussion with members of her book group, or hosting gatherings of friends and family.

Nann deeply loved her family – her daughters who strive to emulate her loving, kind and generous spirit; her granddaughters who delighted her with their creative, academic and athletic endeavors; and her beloved wife, Kathy, with whom Nann fell in love later in life. All will miss her dearly.

A celebration of life will be held in spring 2023. Donations in Nann’s memory may be made to Madison ABC, North Madison Congregational Church, and The Shoreline Soup Kitchens & Pantries. Messages and memories of Nann may be shared at www.shorelinecremation.com.