Emmy Lou "Cookie" (Stackowicz) Guthrie

Emmy Lou “Cookie” Guthrie, 93, passed away peacefully surrounded by family on Tuesday, April 20, 2021.  Her spirit is carried on by her children, grandchild, and an extended family of relations and friends from every walk of life.

Cookie was born in Calumet City, Illinois to Emily and Franklin Stackowicz on September 27, 1927. The youngest of five, upon high school graduation she became a WWII Camp Operator at the telephone company connecting soldiers with their families. In 1947, she married her high school sweetheart, Jim Guthrie, and lovingly nurtured a family and home.  She returned to the workplace in the 1970’s and enjoyed a vibrant career as a Divisional President with Gloria Marshall Figure Salon and Nutri Systems. In 1990, Cookie and Jim retired to Naples, FL residing in Royal Wood Golf and Country Club where they enjoyed years of golf, swimming, traveling, helping the elderly, and entertaining family/friends.

We were blessed to observe the ideals of a “joy for giving” during Cookie’s lifetime. Some of her simple beliefs: Invite new friends to Thanksgiving and Christmas dinner no matter the number of guests, frequently visit a nursing home always with a smile for everyone, never say mean things about anyone “they are poor souls to pray for”, enjoy lunch and a car ride with the cognitively challenged, eat and relish popcorn and chili hotdogs, make meals for friends “just because”, respect co-workers and recognize them as the jewels who shine when praised, practice your faith with humility, talk to anyone because you never know what you might learn, pray the rosary if you cannot sleep, muster determination in the face of adversity, and invite laughter in each day.

Cookie is reunited with her loving husband and devoted dance partner, Jim, and is predeceased by her four siblings.  She is survived by her beloved son and daughter in law, Judy & Tom Guthrie, daughter and son-in-law, Susan & Fred Weinman, and grandson, Tommy Guthrie. 

We extend our heartfelt thanks to the staff of the Carlisle Assisted Living Facility who lovingly cared for Mom.

A private family mass will be celebrated at St. John’s the Evangelist Catholic Church in Naples, FL.  In Cookie’s memory, donations may be made to The STARability Foundation, AVOW Hospice or any charity that resonates with your heart.