LAKEPORT, Calif. – On April 9, 2019, at the age of 74, beloved Irlene Nimmo Cooksey passed away suddenly and unexpectedly in Lakeport.

She joins her parents, William and Lizzy Nimmo; her brother, George Nimmo, who passed last month; and nephew, George Nimmo.

She leaves behind two daughters, Naomi and Rachel, and two sons-in-law, Shane Ferguson and Jason Hansen; a grandson, Quinn Cooksey; and husband of 45 years, David Cooksey.

Irlene was born in Stockton, Calif., on Sept. 13, 1945.

She graduated from Amos Alonzo Stagg High School in Stockton, California, in 1963, and attended San Francisco State University from 1963 to 1969, graduating with a bachelor’s degree in journalism and English.

Irlene had a passion for writing. She traveled, even living in Hawaii for a year, and visited Japan, India and Peru before settling and raising her family.

She worked many jobs, including as a reporter and legal assistant and even working for Grateful Dead Productions.

Irlene’s passions were gardening, cooking and writing, and she shared them with loved ones. Her beautiful roses and poppyseed cake were always wonderful and well-known.

She passed down her knowledge to her daughters and grandson. She loved her husband and daughters more then anything until her grandson was born in 1999.

Irlene had a full and happy life and will be greatly missed by all who loved her. Many remember her beautiful smile and great advice.

I will never forget my mother; she helped me become who I am today. For that I will always remember and be grateful. I love you, Mom. Thank you for being here with me the last couple of years. I will treasure it more than you will ever know. Forever your daughter, Naomi Cooksey.

A celebration of life is expected to take place later this year.

Arrangements by Chapel of the Lakes Mortuary, Lakeport.