Dr. Lois Anne Cook (née Simmons), age 76, passed away on November 3, 2025, in Eureka, California. Born on October 22, 1949, in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, Lois lived a life defined by service, compassion, and an unwavering dedication to healing.
Lois pursued her medical education at the David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA and completed her residency in pediatrics at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center. Her commitment to public health led her to serve as a Fellow in the Epidemic Intelligence Service at the U.S. Centers for Disease Control from 1985 to 1987, where she focused on the epidemiology of birth defects and developmental disabilities.
Her career was marked by a deep devotion to children and families. From June 1988 to June 1999, she served as a developmental pediatrician and multidisciplinary team leader for the United States Department of Defense’s Exceptional Family Member Program. In this role, she worked tirelessly to ensure that military families with special needs children received the support and care they deserved.
In June 2001, Lois founded Comprehensive Pediatric Care, P.C., where she served as owner and pediatrician until May 2013. Her practice was not just a place of medicine but a sanctuary of hope for countless families. She later continued her work as a developmental pediatrician at Open Door Clinic from June 2013 to July 2014 and then as a pediatric hospitalist at Mad River Community Hospital beginning in October 2015.
Lois also gave generously of her time as a mentor with the Meritius Foundation, helping guide and inspire future generations of caregivers and leaders. Her professional life was a testament to her belief that every child deserved not only medical care but also affirmation, encouragement, and love.
Outside of her professional accomplishments, Lois lived with profound spiritual depth. Her spirituality transcended any single tradition—it was an ever-present force in how she moved through life, treated others, and found meaning in both the ordinary and extraordinary. Whether hiking with her beloved dogs Lulu and Muzzy or listening to meditation books through her earbuds, she found peace and purpose in nature and reflection.
Every day, rain or shine, she walked Lulu and Muzzy at the dog park near her home in McKinleyville. During blackberry season, she would return from those walks with bags full of berries she had picked along the way—simple joys that reflected her deep connection to the world around her.
Lois was an avid reader with an extensive library that reflected both her intellectual curiosity and spiritual journey. She inspired countless people to believe in themselves and pursue their dreams. Through her example, she showed that anything is possible when guided by love, faith, and determination.
She leaves behind her daughter Jennifer Paris; her sister Jeanne; and brothers Leon, John, Mark, and Joe. She was preceded in death by her daughter Marian Jessica Cook and brother Danny.
Lois’s legacy lives on in the lives of those she touched—patients who felt truly seen and heard under her care; colleagues who were uplifted by her wisdom; family members who were nourished by her love; and friends who were transformed by her presence.
She was truly an instrument of God—relentless in her pursuit of healing, committed wholly to service, and gifted with one of the most compassionate hearts imaginable. She gave selflessly—never hesitating to offer help or comfort—and never stopped searching for answers when it came to those under her care.
May her memory bring comfort to all who knew her and continue to inspire those who follow in her footsteps.
Lois pursued her medical education at the David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA and completed her residency in pediatrics at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center. Her commitment to public health led her to serve as a Fellow in the Epidemic Intelligence Service at the U.S. Centers for Disease Control from 1985 to 1987, where she focused on the epidemiology of birth defects and developmental disabilities.
Her career was marked by a deep devotion to children and families. From June 1988 to June 1999, she served as a developmental pediatrician and multidisciplinary team leader for the United States Department of Defense’s Exceptional Family Member Program. In this role, she worked tirelessly to ensure that military families with special needs children received the support and care they deserved.
In June 2001, Lois founded Comprehensive Pediatric Care, P.C., where she served as owner and pediatrician until May 2013. Her practice was not just a place of medicine but a sanctuary of hope for countless families. She later continued her work as a developmental pediatrician at Open Door Clinic from June 2013 to July 2014 and then as a pediatric hospitalist at Mad River Community Hospital beginning in October 2015.
Lois also gave generously of her time as a mentor with the Meritius Foundation, helping guide and inspire future generations of caregivers and leaders. Her professional life was a testament to her belief that every child deserved not only medical care but also affirmation, encouragement, and love.
Outside of her professional accomplishments, Lois lived with profound spiritual depth. Her spirituality transcended any single tradition—it was an ever-present force in how she moved through life, treated others, and found meaning in both the ordinary and extraordinary. Whether hiking with her beloved dogs Lulu and Muzzy or listening to meditation books through her earbuds, she found peace and purpose in nature and reflection.
Every day, rain or shine, she walked Lulu and Muzzy at the dog park near her home in McKinleyville. During blackberry season, she would return from those walks with bags full of berries she had picked along the way—simple joys that reflected her deep connection to the world around her.
Lois was an avid reader with an extensive library that reflected both her intellectual curiosity and spiritual journey. She inspired countless people to believe in themselves and pursue their dreams. Through her example, she showed that anything is possible when guided by love, faith, and determination.
She leaves behind her daughter Jennifer Paris; her sister Jeanne; and brothers Leon, John, Mark, and Joe. She was preceded in death by her daughter Marian Jessica Cook and brother Danny.
Lois’s legacy lives on in the lives of those she touched—patients who felt truly seen and heard under her care; colleagues who were uplifted by her wisdom; family members who were nourished by her love; and friends who were transformed by her presence.
She was truly an instrument of God—relentless in her pursuit of healing, committed wholly to service, and gifted with one of the most compassionate hearts imaginable. She gave selflessly—never hesitating to offer help or comfort—and never stopped searching for answers when it came to those under her care.
May her memory bring comfort to all who knew her and continue to inspire those who follow in her footsteps.
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