Mary H. Cook

       On Friday September 27, 2024, we lost a beautiful soul, wife, sister, aunt and friend.  Mary was 82 years old and passed away at home with her family. Wife of John Cook for 60 years.  Mother of Aveleigh Cook, Elizabeth (Buffy) Erb, and Susan Turkalj.  Mother-in-law of Trevor Erb and Vince Turkalj.  Grandmother of Nicholas Erb (Meghan), Brooke Turkalj, and Mathew Turkalj.  Sister of Dawn Rowell and Anne Sawtell and sister-in-law to Ann Petz, John Rowell and Bob Watson.  Aunt to Derek and Monica Petz, Mary Catherine Rowell and Joe Fleming, Christine Rowell-Dopf and Eric Dopf.  Great Aunt to the Dopf kids Preston, Hudson, and Gwen.

      Mary was the most determined, stubborn, kind and strongest fighter we have ever had the privilege to love and spend time with.  She lived her life the best way possible on her terms.  After being dealt the debilitating disease of Multiple Sclerosis over 60 years ago, she decided she would do anything in her power to still live her life with grace and dignity.  It has been her way, and only her way, up to the very end.  Although there were many options to get her the help she needed, she was reluctant to accept help from anyone.  As hard as it was to watch her struggle and decline, we let her be the decision maker.  She lived longer than anyone could have expected given the struggles she overcame every single day.  Her husband John has been her caretaker day in and day out and has shown us all what true friendship, love and respect is. 

      Mary was a very funny person and loved to make people laugh.  We are forever grateful for the love and kindness she showed everyone.  Even though she portrayed she was fine and happy, she never showed the frustration, pain and difficulties that she endured.  We all helped in every way possible to make her life the best it could be.  She was never alone in her lifelong fight to stay with us to the very end.  She is deeply loved, respected and valued by all of her family members and friends.  We take great comfort that she is now at peace, although we will miss her dearly.

      Cremation has taken place.  A Celebration of Life reception will take place on Saturday October 5, 2024, from 2 to 4 p.m., at the Smith-LeRoy Funeral Home, 69 Wellington Street North, Woodstock, Ontario.  In lieu of flowers, donations made in memory of Mary Cook to the Oxford County Animal Rescue are most appreciated.

Wareing Cremation Services, 225 Norwich Ave. Woodstock has been entrusted with Final Arrangements.  Your messages of remembrance and condolence may be shared here at wareingcremation.ca