Frances Cook grew up in St Leonards passed her examination to be a nurse at the end of 1909. She was appointed Charge Nurse at Nelson Hospital in June of 1910. At the outbreak of war in 1914 she was in the USA but sailed for Britain to join the nursing forces there.
A private cablegram has been received from Cairo, where Sister Cook is nursing, which stated that she is quite well. The mistake evidently occurred in Egypt, where another nurse of the same name is ill. -NZ Herald, 8/2/1916.
The Soldiers' Canteen Committee at Port Chalmers has done a great deal of useful work for returned men, and one of its operations has been the entertainment of soldiers from time to time. In the committee's rooms last night a large number of returned soldiers forgathered at the committee's invitation, and a very enjoyable evening was spent in card-playing and harmony. The Mayor (Mr J. McD. Stevenson) presided, and among the visitors were Sister Cook and Nurse Watson. Miss Taylor and Mrs Hill contributed pianoforte items, and supper was dispensed, the gathering concluding with the National Anthem. -Otago Daily Times, 9/5/1919.
It will be with deep regret that the friends of Sister Frances Cook will learn of her death. At the outbreak of the war Sister Cook was in America, but, proceeding to England, she joined up with the New Zealand Division and rendered faithful and efficient service both in France and in English hospitals. Upon the conclusion of the war she returned to New Zealand, and, after being engaged for some time in special nursing work, established a private hospital. A few months ago she fell into ill-health, and it was recognised that recovery was impossible. With soldierly fortitude and calm resolution she faced the end, which came late on Wednesday night. -Otago Daily Times, 17/10/1924.
Sister Frances Cook's Army record shows that she died of stomach cancer.
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