Patricia Ann Cook (Saliga)
Patricia Ann Cook (Saliga), a beloved mother, grandmother, teacher, artist, and cherished member of the Dothan, Alabama, community, passed away peacefully on Friday, August 7, 2026, at the age of 90, surrounded by her loving family and loved ones.
A celebration of Ann's Life will be 2:00 P.M. Sunday, September 13, 2026 at Rivertown Community Church in Marianna, FL, with Pastor Paul Smith officiating.
Born April 19, 1936, Ann was the daughter of Robert Emmett Cook and Clara Taylor Cook. Her father was the owner of Southeastern Publishing Company of Dothan. She grew up in Dothan with her brothers, Carl E. Cook, Lamar “Tug” Cook, and Andrew Jackson Cook, all of whom predeceased her.
Ann was a member of the National Honor Society and graduated from Dothan High School in 1955. She earned bachelor’s degrees in Art Education, Psychology and English, along with a master’s degree in Art Education, from Troy State University. She devoted her career to art education with Dothan City Schools, teaching at Honeysuckle Middle School and Dothan High School. Known to her students as Mrs. Saliga and later Mrs. Patrick, she retired in 1998 while teaching at Dothan High School.
For 15 years, Ann was a military spouse to Major Richard Paul Saliga, United States Army (Ret.), with whom she raised her three children. Upon his retirement from military service at Fort Rucker, they moved to Dothan, where they established a permanent home for their family.
Later in life, Ann married William Earl Patrick, fondly known as Bill, who later remained a meaningful part of her life and family.
Ann was a devoted mother to her children, Shon Owens Saliga and his wife, Jani; Karen Saliga Reiff and her husband, Charles; and Lynn Saliga Schwartz and her husband, James. Her greatest joy was her family. She delighted in her grandchildren, Ashley Saliga, Bradford Saliga, Taylor Reiff, Charlie Reiff, Paul Schwartz, Joseph Schwartz, and Samuel Schwartz, and her six great-grandchildren as well as her sister in-law, Diane Cook. She also cherished Christy Byrne and Michael Byrne, Jani’s children, and their children, who were embraced as part of Ann’s extended family and held a special place in her heart.
Ann had a special tenderness for animals and loved watching birds and squirrels; marveling at God's creation. Her artistic spirit continued through painting and gardening. A longtime member of the Episcopal Church of the Nativity in Dothan, her voice was a treasured part of the choir for many years. She was also involved with the National Education Association.
Those who knew Ann will remember her kindness, generosity, and gift for making people feel welcome. She rarely let someone leave her table without being offered something to eat. Her meals and baked goods were expressions of love, often shared with friends, neighbors, and anyone she felt needed extra care.
In her later years, Ann was lovingly cared for by her daughter Karen and son-in-law Charles in Marianna, Florida. The family is deeply grateful to Dr. Gina Sura Sanchez, Jenny Foster, and Desiree Navarro for their loving care and companionship, as well as the VITAS Hospice nurses and care team, whose compassion and support brought comfort and dignity to Ann and her family.
In lieu of flowers, friends and family are invited to make a donation to a charity of their choice, especially one that rescues or assists animals, in Ann’s memory.
Ann leaves behind a beautiful legacy of love, family, creativity, and kindness. Her warmth, generosity, laughter, and unwavering spirit will be deeply missed and lovingly remembered by all who knew and loved her.
Arrangements are entrusted to the Lambe Family at Marianna Chapel Funeral Home.
Condolences may be made online at www.mariannachapelfh.com
