Tracee Cook, BSN

Tracee Laurana Cook, age 48 years of Niles, Michigan; mother, daughter, and devoted nurse died at 4:45 p.m. on Tuesday, February 25, 2025 at home, with her family gathered around her bedside, following a months-long battle against pancreatic cancer, which she tenaciously fought until her final breath. Her family is grateful for the wonderful and passionate care provided by her co-workers at Saint Joseph Regional Medical Center in Mishawaka, Indiana; and the kind and compassionate care provided by the staff of Caring Circle Hospice at Home. They are also grateful for the many, many visitors during Tracee’s final weeks.

She was born on May 26, 1976 in Niles, Michigan to Gary E. and Leslie L. (Steiner) Cook, and was graduated from Niles High School. She continued her education at Southwestern Michigan College, earning an Associates degree, and becoming a Registered Nurse. She later earned a Bachelor of Science in Nursing degree, graduating at the top of her class at Indiana University South Bend (IUSB).

Tracee began her career in nursing at the former Lakeland Hospital – Niles (now Corewell Health Lakeland Hospitals Niles) before moving to Memorial Hospital – Beacon Health System, South Bend, Indiana where she was also employed by Fresenius Kidney Care. She was currently employed at Saint Joseph Regional Medical Center where she was twice a recipient of the DAISY Foundation Award®, a special honor given to extraordinary nurses for the compassionate contributions they make every day going above and beyond expectations in science and sensitivity. She recently received a Healthcare Professional Hero Reward from Homes for Heros®.

In her youth, Tracee was an active member of the First Baptist Church in Niles, and attended Saturday night events at Five Pines Ministries near Berrien Center, Michigan. When not on-duty at the hospital, she enjoyed being at home, watching documentaries – especially True Crime stories, snuggling with her pet cat, “Waffles,” and feeding the squirrels, including “Mr. Chubbs” who ate from her hand. But her greatest joy was her daughter, Payton.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Leslie Cook who died in 1994, and Gary Cook who died in 2009.

Surviving family includes her daughter, Payton L. Yarbrough of Niles, who is a nursing student at Southwestern Michigan College, following her mother’s lead. Also surviving are Payton’s grandparents, Sue and Greg Burns of Niles; several aunts, uncles, and cousins; and a wonderful circle of great co-workers and friends.

Services for Tracee Cook will be on Saturday, March 8, 2025 at 3:00 p.m. at the First Baptist Church, 1446 East Main Street in Niles with Pastor Jim Wing officiating. A time of sharing memories and fellowship will follow. Arrangements were completed at the Halbritter-Wickens Funeral Home, 615 East Main Street in Niles. Memories and condolences may be left at:

www.halbritterwickens.com

Forty-eight years feels far too short, but Tracee used those years well, having the self-discipline to complete her RN and BSN so that she might be the best nurse to care for her patients and combining self-discipline, patience, and unconditional love to raise her daughter – all great successes.