Jane O'Dea Cook

Jane O'Dea Cook, passed away surrounded by her family March 30, 2026. Born January 21st,1924 in Sacramento to loving parents William Joseph and Elizabeth Lynam O’Dea, who immigrated from Ireland before she was born. She attended St. Francis Grammar School, and met the love of her life, George L. Cook Sr., when they were in the ninth grade together at Kit Carson. Jane graduated from Sacramento High School in 1942. During WWII, George served in the Army Air Force in Europe and the South Pacific, while Jane worked for TWA at National Airport in Washington, DC. They married January 25, 1945 in Sacramento when he was home on leave, and spent 70 happily married years together.

Jane and George were the loving parents of 12 children: Jane (Thomas Meuser), Susan (James Craig), Margaret (Brian Beauchamp), George (Susan), Catherine (Jerome Koewler), Elizabeth Ann, John (Cheri), Michael (Melissa), Stephen, Mark (Monica), James (Rene), and David (Rachelle). She was a beloved grandmother to Thomas, Paul, John, and Katherine Meuser; Megan Thomas; Mara Maciel; Nancy and Elise Craig; Michael and Alexander Beauchamp; Elizabeth Brown; George and Joseph Cook; Celia Cole; Claire Kastenbaum; Caraline, Caleb, and Elizabeth Koewler; Michael, Matthew, Daniel, and Samuel Cook; Ashley Shaub; Charles, Parker, Peter, and Ryder Cook; Brooke Richards; Alyssa Cook; and Sydney, David, and Kelly Cook. She was a great-grandmother to 32, with a 33rd due in May.

Jane’s house was never empty. She had children at home from 1945 to 1996, and over the years, provided a warm gathering place for visiting grandchildren, Sunday doughnuts, Friday night dinners, and many Thanksgivings. She hosted a beloved Christmas Eve party for her family of dozens into her 100s.

Jane was preceded in death by her husband George L. Cook; daughter, Elizabeth Ann; granddaughter Caraline Koewler; sisters, Annie Odbert, Catherine Lambert, Charlotte Montgomery, and Lucille Ratermann; her dear friend Msgr. Robert Walton; and her best friend since kindergarten, Carmel Shorrock Ward.

Jane was a devout Catholic and had been a faithful member of the congregation of Sacred Heart Church since 1945, as well as a founding member and longtime supporter of the Sacred Heart School Foundation. She also served as a member of the Junior League of Sacramento, and with her husband, George, was a part of the Sutter Club community for more than 50 years.

She will be deeply missed by her children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and friends, and fondly remembered for her gracious warmth and many kindnesses.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Sacred Heart School Foundation.