Ada Alise Berry Cook was born in Leesburg, VA on February 22, 1921, the fourth of ten offspring of the late John E. Berry, Sr, and Charlotte (Sue) Washington Berry -- she is the only survivor.

She graduated from the Loudoun Training School in 1940 and remained in Leesburg until her marriage to Robert D. Cook of Middleburg, Va in 1948.

Alise was the cook for the Pettibone's at Homewood Farm for 25 years. During that time, her famous recipe for Oyster Casserole was featured in the Washington Post. In addition to cooking, Alise loved to sew and made beautiful dresses for her four granddaughters.

A highlight in her life was traveling to Europe in 1989 with her sister Edna Evans and niece Barbara Scott. to visit Barbara's daughter Darice Schnetter (Alise's god daughter) in Germany. While there, she traveled to Paris, Austria, Lichtenstein, West Berlin, Amsterdam, and Switzerland.

Alise and her devoted son Richard Berry reside in Middleburg. She is an avid reader and loves watching sports on TV. She has five grandchildren, 13 great grands and 5 great great grands– the joy of her life. She has seen many changes in her lifetime and looks forward to many more.