-
Lisa Haycook
Lisa Haycook (nee Becker) passed away on September 22, 2016, surrounded by family in her long time home in Atlantic Beach.
Lisa was born September 16, 1938, in Copenhagen, Denmark. During World War II, Lisa’s family had to flee from Denmark in order to evade the Nazis. Her father left first. Lisa was only five when, during the planned trip to Sweden on a fishing boat, she became separated from her Mother and baby sister, arriving in Sweden all alone. The authorities ultimately located her relatives and the family was reunited and spent the rest of the war in Sweden. After the war, the family returned to Denmark, where Lisa completed her education before taking a job as an au pair for a family in Paris. It was there that she met her future husband and father of her three children, William (Bill) Michael Haycook. They lived and traveled in Europe until Bill completed his medical school education. While in Europe, Lisa worked with the American Embassy in Brussels, and her oldest son, Dan, was born in Belgium. Lisa and Bill returned to the States, and Lisa worked with the Royal Danish Consulate in New York City, where she once met the King and Queen of Denmark. Her daughter, Karina, was born in New York. In 1968 Bill was transferred by the Navy to Jacksonville, Florida where their youngest son, Brian, was born. When her children were older, Lisa returned to school at Jacksonville University, graduating Magna Cum Laude with a B.A. in Sociology. After her divorce, Lisa moved to Atlantic Beach in 1980.
She loved the beach and could be found walking and bicycling whenever the weather permitted. Lisa loved to play bridge and played with various bridge clubs for years. Lisa quilted and made beautiful blankets for her children and grandchildren. She also was an avid reader, and attended book clubs until her health prevented her from doing so.
Although Lisa endured much pain and difficulty in her last years, she never gave up, and always had a pleasant and kind word for those who knew her, and those who cared for her. The medical professionals who provided care for Mom, for which the family is grateful, are too numerous to mention individually. However, Dr. Guy Benrubi’s successful treatment of Mom over twenty years ago gave her family that much more time with her, for which there aren’t sufficient words of gratitude. Additionally, in her final years, Dr. Joseph Mignone went above and beyond for Mom, in his treatment of her, and his kindness and help to both Mom and the family.
Lisa was predeceased by her parents, Julius and Karen Becker, and the father of her three children, Dr. William Michael Haycook. Lisa is survived by her three children, Dan (Anita), Karina (Byron), and Brian (Kelly), who will miss her terribly. Her unwavering vigilance (well known to many friends of her children!) and always loving care, helped all three of her children achieve success in their lives for which they are grateful. Lisa will also be greatly missed by her three grandchildren, Ellery, Megan and Kayla, Lisa’s younger sister Marianne Jordan (Michael), and her niece, Nina (Paul). Last, but not least, Lisa is survived by her faithful dog Minnie, who was Lisa’s constant companion and friend until the end. Lisa was well loved and will be missed by those she touched.
A brief celebration of Lisa’s life will be held in her home on Sunday, October 2, 2016, from 2-4 p.m. All who knew Lisa are welcome to stop by, and casual beach attire would be appropriate.
In lieu of flowers, please make a donation in Lisa’s name to either the local public broadcasting channel, WJCT, or to the World Wildlife Fund. Arrangements are under the direction of Hardage-Giddens Funeral Home, 1701 Beach Blvd, Jacksonville Beach, FL.