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.

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The obituary above was submitted on behalf of Dr. Lois Cook’s loved ones. The Lost Coast Outpost runs obituaries of Humboldt County residents at no charge. See guidelines here.