Published June 14, 2019
CONCORD — Priscilla L. “Silka” Hook, 71, of Concord, formerly of Melrose, died on June 7, 2019. She was raised in Melrose, graduated from Melrose High School, Class of 1966 and from Regis College.
Silka was a person who made friends wherever she went. She honestly cared about people and felt she learned something from everyone she met. To her, some were friends for the moment others became friends forever but she never forgot anyone whom she came in contact with. Loyalty was one of her great assets. Her forever friend, Sandy began their friendship in the first grade and continued to this day. Sandy and her family became Silka’s second family for decades. Silka loved all of her “nieces and nephews” and spent happy and sad lifetime events with them. I’m sure Silka will be watching down somehow just to keep an eye out on what’s going on.
Silka’s interest were varied from quiet time reading, to an appreciation of classical music as well as being accomplished gardener of flowers, plants, vegetables and herbs. I know her neighbors enjoyed looking at the fruits of her labor and some the harvest of veggies. I also loved receiving fresh herbs as well as the ones she dried and packaged for me. She did this out of her generous nature. Her gardening, I believe, led her to become involved in environmental issues. The environment, wildlife and conservation causes have benefitted by her generosity not only financially but with active involvement.
Her generosity was cloaked with humility. She never wanted open praise so many of us were not really aware to what extent she went. I just recently made aware of an extraordinary gesture by her. Since she shied away from public recognition I won’t reveal it; however, I was proud to be her sister but not surprised by her.
When younger she enjoyed traveling which led to her to spend some time in France studying at the Universitie de Tours in a beautiful city considered to be the birthplace of the french language . Again she made new friends several lasting to this day. While there she had spent a little time working in a vineyard – couldn’t get away from gardening! She loved going into Paris and spending quiet time around Notre Dame grounds. She was deeply saddened by the fire and sent me several texts in French (which I’m sure was perfect) Well, I had some high school French about 56 – 57 years ago. I know she thought it funny to poke me like that since she had a great sense of humor and couldn’t help herself. I’m sure anyone who knew her could appreciate her humor.
My little and only sister will be dearly missed. She had a heart of gold and will be also be missed by many people across the globe including people who never knew her.
Love you “Silk.”
Priscilla was the loving sister of Carolyn T. Hook of Swampscott. Beloved daughter of the late Alfred E. and Martha R. (Mazurkiewicz) Hook. Also survived by numerous cousins, nieces, nephews, extended family members and friends.
Visitation will be held at the Gately Funeral Home, 79 W. Foster St. Melrose on Thursday, June 13 from 4-8 p.m. Funeral procession from Gately Funeral Home on Friday morning, June 14 at 9 a.m, followed by a Mass of Christian Burial at Incarnation Church, 425 Upham St., Melrose at 10 a.m. Interment at St. Joseph Cemetery in Lynn. Relatives and friends are respectfully invited to attend. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made in Priscilla’s name to Joslin Diabetes Center, Office of Philanthropy, One Joslin Place, Boston, MA 02215-9963 or @ www.joslin.org or to National Wildlife Federation, 11100 Wildlife Center Drive, Reston, VA 20190 or @ www.nwf.org or to a Conservation Charity of your choice.
