Susan Cook

Susan Grace Cook, née Foster, aged 82, of Rantoul, passed away peacefully on March 12, 2026, at Rush Copley Medical Center in Aurora, surrounded by her loving family.

Born on December 11, 1943, in Highland to Jaudon and Margaret Lee Foster, Susan grew up with her older brother, Robert (Bob) Foster. She married David Cook on June 12, 1976, in Collinsville, and they shared nearly 45 years together until his passing in May 2021. Their greatest joy was their daughter, Alicia (Tim) Traviss, though Susan cherished most deeply her role as Nana to her three grandsons, Dylan, Riley, and Liam Traviss.

A dedicated educator, Susan graduated from Collinsville High School in 1962, earned her bachelor’s degree from Southern Illinois University–Carbondale in 1966, and her master’s from Southern Illinois University–Edwardsville in 1969. She taught kindergarten for 35 years, first in Algonquin and Carpentersville, and later in Rantoul at Maplewood and Northview schools until her retirement in 2001.

Susan found deep fulfillment in time spent with family, doting on her grandchildren, playing bridge, and traveling extensively. She visited all 48 contiguous states multiple times and explored Cuba, Mexico, Canada, and the Bahamas. A devoted member of the Rantoul First United Methodist Church and the National Education Association, she was known for her generous spirit and willingness to care for others.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Jaudon and Margaret; her brother, Bob; and her husband, David. Susan is survived by her daughter, Alicia; son-in-law, Tim; grandsons, Dylan, Riley (Madison Lemmons), and Liam; sister-in-law, Elizabeth Foster; nieces, Robin Dye and Lisa (Mark) Ettlinger; nephew, Lee Foster; and their families.