Atsuko Yamanaka

Cooke – Atsuko

Atsuko Cooke (née Yamanaka) died suddenly Saturday, September 8, 2018 of a brain haemorrhage. Atsuko was born in Wakayama, Japan, and attended primary and high school there and in Osaka. She received a B.A. in English literature from University of Osaka, then a B.L.S. from University of Toronto and an M.L.S. from McGill University. She followed a career in public service as a librarian and information officer, first with McGill University, then with the federal government with Canadian International Development Agency, Health and Welfare Canada, the Royal Canadian Mounted Police and the International Development Research Centre.

Always passionate about art, following retirement she studied at Ottawa School of Art and exhibited in many venues. She was a member of the North Gower Artists' Society and the Go-Figure Group at Burritts Rapids. Some of her figure work will be featured in the Merrickville Art Guild Studio Tour, 22-23 September in Burritts Rapids.

A resident of North Gower for more than forty years, Atsuko leaves behind her husband Owen and sister Makiko in Wakayama as well as nephews and nieces and their families in Japan.

Friends may attend a visitation at the Kars Chapel of Tubman Funeral Homes, 1610 Roger Stevens Dr., Kars, ON on Wednesday from 2 to 4 p.m. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to Ottawa School of Art, 35 George St., Ottawa, K1N8W5. Condolences, donations or tributes may be made at www.tubmanfuneralhomes.com .