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(Aileen) Nadine Pirote, 101

(Aileen) Nadine Pirotte passed away peacefully in Salina, KS, surrounded by the love of her family. Born on May 3, 1924, she was the youngest child of Bertha (Cahail) Cook and Albert Newton Cook. Though her family moved frequently during her early years, Nadine spent the majority of her childhood in Cawker City, KS, where she was raised alongside her two sisters and two brothers following the early passing of her parents.

Nadine later moved to California to live with her brother, graduating from Chaffey Union High School in 1941. It was during this time that she married Vernon Morgan. The couple welcomed a daughter Sherry before Vernon's life was tragically cut short in a military accident during World War II. Following his death, Nadine and her young daughter returned to Cawker City to be near her siblings. On December 27, 1945, Nadine began a new chapter when she wed John (Jack) Francis Pirotte at Saints Peter and Paul Catholic Church in Cawker City. Their union was a testament to devotion, spanning 62 years of marriage until Jack's passing in 2008. Together they raised four children and built a life centered on family, faith, and community.

Nadine was a woman of many talents. A gifted artist and seamstress, she created over 40 quilts, most of which she designed and hand-quilted herself. She had a beautiful voice and often joined her husband singing in the choir and for other community events. After only six months of piano lessons as a child, she became an accomplished player, mostly playing by ear. She also loved to read and enjoyed gardening. Her history is marked by the strength of her generation; while in California, she proudly served as a "Rosie the Riveter" in a war factory. Professionally, she served as secretary for the Cawker City Clerk's office, and later worked in a law office during some of the years she and Jack lived in Goodland.

Above all, Nadine was a devoted mother and a matriarch to a large, loving family. She is survived by her four children: Sherry (Lou) Brungardt of Norman, OK; Kathy (Greg) Heinze of Salina, KS; Steve (Marlene) Pirotte of Denver, NC; and Scott (Mary) Pirotte of Phillipsburg, KS. Her legacy continues through her 11 grandchildren, 18 great-grandchildren, and 6 great-great-grandchildren, as well as many nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her parents, her husband Jack, her sisters Miona Burden and Zoe Conn, and her brothers Edwin and Neil.

For the final seven years of her life, Nadine resided at Reflections Retirement Resort in Salina, where her kindness and lively personality made her a favorite among the residents and staff alike. She will be deeply missed by all who knew her.

Funeral services will be at 10:30 AM Saturday, January 10 at the Sts. Peter & Paul Catholic Church in Cawker City. A rosary service will be at 10 AM Saturday at the Church. Memorials may be given to the Cawker City Senior Center or the Sts. Peter & Paul Catholic Church.
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