Jillian's obituary
Jillian Mary Cook of Stratford passed away at the Stratford General Hospital on Thursday, August 1, 2024 after a very short, unexpected illness. Born in Stockport Cheshire England on November 3rd, 1945, she was the only daughter of the late John Cook and Mary (Oldham) Cook, and grew up with great affection for her big brother Jack, and little brother, Stuart.
She grew up in a time and place where her path as a woman seemed predestined, but the exposure to theatre, film and music (the Bamboo Jazz Club a hot spot in Stockport) opened up a world of possibilities. After completing her schooling at Alexandra Park School she enlisted at the Bradburn Business College and was then employed at a noted Manchester Accountancy firm. But this was the 60’s and she would find ways to cross towns and cities to see the Beatles perform and other groundbreaking artists of the day. Jillian was brave!
She jumped at the chance to hitch a flight to Canada with a local athletic club heading to Toronto for their sports competition. This first taste of travel shifted her compass westward, and in the fall of 1969 she announced to her friends and family she was moving to Toronto, Canada! Jillian landed on both feet and secured her first job at Peat Marwick (now KPMG) as a PA to Mr. Peat.
She was soon involved with the arts community, taking acting classes, and living within the Therafields Community, a shared communal house in Toronto’s Annex area. She was a life-long learner of the human condition and here she had found the support to explore and grow.
After building up her acting skills and resume, Jillian was invited to join the company at The Shaw Festival in 1985, led by Artistic Director Christopher Newton. She was in over 25 productions over 14 seasons between 1985 and 2004. Memorable roles include Myrtle Schlosser in The Front Page, Lady Stutfield in An Ideal Husband, Mrs. Hepworth in Hobson’s Choice, Miss Lily Mortar in The Children’s Hour, Mrs. Baines in Major Barbara, Mrs. Kirby in You Can’t Take It With You, Maria Voynitsky in Uncle Vanya, Martha Cunningham in Shadow Play and Mrs. Pearce in Pygmalion.
Special roles in regional theatre seasons across the country include Blithe Spirit (Globe Theatre) The Phoenix Lottery (The Grand Theatre), Bordertown Café (Gryphon Theatre) and Driving Miss Daisy (Stirling Theatre). Principal roles in television and film include: Women of Windsor (CBS), Sensitive Skin (Movie Network), and Murdoch Mysteries (CBC) in which she played Annie Taylor, the character based on the real 63-year old Annie who, in 1901, successfully went over Niagara Falls in a barrel!
Always committed to a fit and healthy lifestyle, Jillian exercised, and practiced Tai Chi and yoga. In 2005 she travelled to the Expanding Light Yoga Retreat at the Ananda Ashram in California, where she trained as a Yoga teacher. She began her 20-year yoga teaching career offering modules at The Shaw Festival to the company members, teaching private classes in Toronto and at Wellspring, (a Canada-wide organization that provides yoga and other health supports for those living with or having survived cancer).
Once settled in Stratford, she was also teaching at the Yoga Collective and co-facilitated a local meditation group. In 2011 she had become a core member of Michael Stone’s Centre for Gravity, a group that focused on the teachings and practices of Zen Buddhism. Jillian had continued to be a participant with Gravity on retreats and contributed to the operations and Sangha teachings.
Jillian (aka Jilly, Jillykins, and Cookie) moved to Stratford in 2021 where she had over many years enjoyed seasonal holidays and special celebrations with dear friends. She was so happy in her beautiful flat overlooking a lush garden view down to the Avon. She took delight in sharing her joy of theatre, music, opera, and delicious food with her many circles of friends visiting from all over Canada.
Jillian is remembered and mourned by her family in the UK: brother Jack (deceased) and wife Sheila, brother Stuart and wife Joyce, dear nephews and nieces, great nephews and great nieces, and a cluster of close cousins, all of whom she was able to visit many times over the years. Jillian spent precious time in the U.K. with her lifelong friends from her girlhood and teenage years, Hilary, Pam, Eryl and others with whom she continued to talk, Zoom, and correspond with regularly. Her family of friends across Canada, US and the UK are too many to mention. She was well loved by us, and loved us all very well.
Cremation has taken place. A celebration of Jillian’s life will take place on Monday, September 30, 2024 at the Avon Theatre, Stratford, Ontario in the Chalmers Lounge. Doors will be open at 1:30 pm and a brief Welcome followed by a short program will begin at 2:00 pm. We invite you to stay for afternoon tea and sweets.
As expressions of sympathy, memorial donations can be made to those organizations that she supported: The Actor’s Fund of Canada, The Canadian War Museum, The Nature Conservancy of Canada, or, a charity of your choice. Donations in memory of Jillian, can be sent through the W. G. Young Funeral Home, 430 Huron Street, Stratford. 519.271.7411 www.wgyoungfuneralhome.com
