May 09, 2005
Clarissa C. Cook: A Legacy Of Compassion
The 1879 obituary of Clarissa C. Cook reported that she had become weakened by a long illness and could not recuperate. She passed away peacefully, without pain, with family and friends at her bedside.
The legacy of Clarissa C. Cook, who lived a life of compassion and generosity, has continued for 126 years following her death and will continue for decades to come. The Genesis VNA and Hospice Clarissa Cook House will provide Quad Cities regional residents at the end of their lives with a comfortable setting where they also will be able to pass peacefully, without pain, and with loved ones around them.
At the end of life, the Genesis hospice house will provide a home-like setting, in significant contrast to hospice in a hospital setting.
A portion of the endowment which established the Clarissa C. Cook Home for The Friendless in 1882 and has supported the stately home at 100 S. Pine for 123 years since, will make the Genesis house possible.
The existing Clarissa C. Cook retirement home will continue to operate.
Clarissa C. Cook, the wife of wealthy lawyer and financier Ebenezer Cook, carried out his wishes after his death in 1871. His wishes were that the couple’s wealth should be shared with those in need, and also would benefit Davenport.
Clarissa C. Cook’s financial support resulted in the construction of the first public library built in Iowa. She also provided the funding to build Trinity Episcopal Chuch and the Trinity School.
Following her death, the Clarissa C. Cook Home For the Friendless was built to provide a home for women who had no other home. The bequest of $50,000 from Cook’s estate made the home possible. The home was highly regarded by the community.
“Mrs. Cook has made it her main object to carry out the expressed wishes of her husband and her own generous promptings, and has constructed enduring monuments both to her own and her late husband’s memory,’’ read the obituary in the Davenport Democrat. “The announcement of the death of Mrs. Cook will greate a general sensation of regret and sorrow, and revive the kindly and grateful feelings with which she has ever been regarded in this community.
“A truly good, benevolent and worthy woman, Mrs. Cook has always borne the respect, esteem and love of people of all classes in this city.’’
