In memory of Caroline Moon-Cook
May 28,1946 - July 7, 2021
Submitted by: Rev. Deborah Merwin, Prs. H.

It is with great sorrow that we announce the recent death of our FOI sister, Caroline Moon-Cook. After a long challenge with cancer she died peacefully at home surrounded by her beloved family and the singing voices of her FOI sister-priestesses who were her deathbed doulas. She is survived by her husband Bill, daughter Amber, son Jeremy and fur-babies Joey and Star Dust. Caroline will be cremated and then given a private military funeral when it can be scheduled. Her local community Celebration of Life event will be held at her Mormon church on Friday, July 16, 2021. Doors open at 10am and the memorial service will begin promptly at 11am. All who knew and loved Caroline are welcome to attend this gathering.

Caroline led a rich, full life as a daughter, sister, wife, mother, friend and military veteran. She contributed to our community as a compassionate healer offering nursing, massage, Reiki, sound (crystal bowls, tuning forks, drum, voice), and ritual. For several years she facilitated a local women’s full moon group called Maidenheap until she decided to put her time and energy towards completing her Doctorate of Metaphysics studies which she did.

In 2006 she became a FOI member and an active participant in the Isis of Philae Lyceum. Caroline was an enthusiastic student of the FOI liturgy and became an Initiate in 2008. She was ordained as a Priestess of Isis, Yemaya and Brigit in 2009. In dedicated pursuit of her spiritual growth and magickal studies Caroline was eventually consecrated as a Hierophant in 2010 which inspired her to establish the Lyceum of the Crystal Moon. Over the next few years she was also consecrated as a FOI Adept and DCD Archdruidess.

Two years ago Caroline’s doctors told her she had less than 6 months to live. No further treatments would be successful. She sadly but calmly accepted her fate and began making her pre-death plans which included arranging her own memorial service and setting up a team of sister-priestesses to minister to her when it was time (only her closest FOI sisters and family were to be with her during the last hours of her transition. Then after death the women would wash, anoint and shroud her body which would then be received by her Mormon sisters who would dress her in their traditional sacred white garments before cremation). In serious prep mode Caroline also began personally giving away all of her sacred stones, books, altars, jewelry and other misc items. When everything was set-up and given away she then proclaimed to her family and close friends that she was now ready to LIVE until she died! For almost 2 years Caroline and Bill took off to finish their bucket list which included 6 cruises, multiple road trips and many other wonderful, awe-inspiring adventures before eventually Caroline was ready to settle back home to spend her remaining weeks close to family and friends.

All members of the FOI are aware that we are an eclectic group of individuals so it will not be a surprise to know that Caroline had once been a member of the Mormon church. She left it years ago when she heard the call of Isis but eventually felt inspired to return to her former spiritual community. When she did go back she told the church Elders that she was a Witch, Goddess Woman and Priestess. If they would accept her for who she was then she would rejoin the choir and other activities. Her church warmly welcomed her back without condition and now they have also agreed to honor Caroline’s request to include FOI priestesses in the memorial program so that we can sing two of her favorite songs. We are grateful to be allowed to do this and will be at the Mormon church in full regalia singing in a candle lit procession with sistrums and drum. Hail Isis! Receive our sister into your loving arms and surround her with your mighty Wings as she journeys from this world to the next. Caroline, we say your name so you may live!