Debra Morton-Cook

Debra Morton Cook

February 8, 1961 – January 11, 2024

Debra Jo (Dwyer) Morton-Cook, passed away peacefully on January 11, 2024, in Niles, Michigan. Born in Southampton, NY, on February 8th, 1961, Debbie was the third born daughter by Wanda (Johnson) Dwyer-Power and Joe Dwyer,

Her early years as an “Air Force brat” were filled with the joy of sisterhood, as she forged lifelong bonds with her sisters, Patricia and Terri. Debbie's capacity for love was further evidenced by her devoted marriages to her late husbands, Robert Morton and David Cook, both of whom she cared for deeply until their passing.

Debbie's passion for helping others led her to pursue a career in nursing. After receiving her Bachelor's degree from Quinsigamond Community College, she dedicated many years to serving as a nurse, mastering her craft in units of Intensive Care, Cardiac Care, Memory Care, and Dialysis. She was gifted at treating the whole patient, along with their families, touching the lives of countless individuals with her care and empathy. Her colleagues and patients alike will remember her for her unwavering dedication and the comfort she provided in times of need.

Debbie married Robert Morton in October of 1983. They welcomed two sons — Bob and Tommy. Debbie’s role as a mother was one of her greatest joys, and she instilled in her sons the values of compassion, resilience, and the importance of family. As a family, they lived in Ashland, MA, until moving to McKinney, TX, in 1998. Following the death of Robert, Deb and her son, Tommy took on the world together, working hard and taking care of each other. In 2010, Deb married her second husband, David Cook and settled with him in Lufkin, TX, until his passing in 2020. 

In the last few years of her life, as she battled a unique form of dementia, Debbie lived with and near her four beautiful grandchildren, Seeley, Kaliope, Deacon, and Maverick, who will forever cherish the memories of their loving Nana. They loved going out to eat together and walking stores together as often as possible. 

An animal lover at heart, Debbie’s love for dogs (of all shapes and sizes) was infinite. At one point in time, she had seven dogs; all rescued. She was known to admit openly to loving dogs more than people most days. And they loved her in return. 

Though the "long goodbye" of dementia was not easy, Debbie fought a good fight. For the last four years, her son Bob worked tirelessly to take care of his mother to give her the best life possible. He sat with her in her final hours, holding her hands and singing her favorite songs, as she transitioned to her new, eternal home. 

Deb is preceded in death by her father, Joe Dwyer, and her husbands - Robert Morton and David Cook; also niece, Angela Beaudoin. She is survived by her mother, Wanda Dwyer-Power, and two sisters Patricia (George) Nicols and Teresa (Steven Pierce) Dwyer; her sons Bob (Heather) Morton and Tommy Morton; grandchildren Seeley, Kaliope, Deacon and Maverick Morton; plus her nephew, Joe (Leigh) Edie and nieces, Sara (James Sharpe), Julie (Tue Ho) Nicols and Amy (Christopher Villeda Menesea) Nicols.

Memorial contributions may be made in Debra’s memory to the University of Notre Dame. Please direct your gift to the Debra Morton Cook Memorial Fund. Gifts may be made online at http://giving.nd.edu/morton-cook-memorial, by phone at (574) 631-5150, or by mail: University of Notre Dame, Department of Development, 1100 Grace Hall, Notre Dame, IN 46556. In lieu of such a contribution, Debbie would have cherished your support for your local humane society. 

A time of remembrance and sharing of memories will be held on February 7, 2025 from 3pm-6pm at Brown Funeral Home in Niles, MI. A Funeral Service and Celebration of Life for Debra will be held on Saturday, February 15, 2025 at 2:00 p.m. at Tighe Hamilton Regional Funeral Home, 50 Central Street, Hudson, MA 01749. Visiting hours will follow at the Funeral Home from 2:30 - 4:00 p.m.

Debra Cook's life was a beautiful tapestry woven with love, care, and the pursuit of happiness. Her memory will be treasured by all who knew her, and her spirit will continue to inspire those she has left behind. As we bid farewell to Debra, we celebrate a life well-lived, full of moments that will be lovingly remembered and forever held close to our hearts.