Kathleen Elizabeth Cook (née Manery), 89, passed away peacefully at home on February 6, 2021, surrounded by loved ones. Kathleen was a beloved wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, aunt, cousin, and friend. Born April 15, 1931 in Penticton, BC to Similkameen Valley pioneers Sam and Mabel Manery, she was raised with her five siblings on the Manery family orchard in Cawston.
Kathleen married Milton Cook in 1952 and had three children: Rod, Daphne, and Gordon. She spent her early adult life raising her family and supporting and assisting Milton in many business and construction ventures.
Kathleen devoted her life to her family and friends; it was often remarked that she was the glue that held them together. Known for her love of hosting, Kathleen was an excellent cook and loved nothing more than having family gather in her home to enjoy dinners around her beautifully set table.
She kept her family and friends close, always remembering birthdays and anniversaries and keeping in touch through cards, letters, phone calls, and visits.
Cooking, baking, gardening, and volunteering were some of Kathleen's many hobbies and talents. She had a discerning eye for style and architecture and loved designing and building homes. From volunteering in orphanages in Brazil to dining with Queen Elizabeth II, Kathleen's faith, heart for service and charity, love of travel, and interest in politics led her to many unique and enriching experiences.
Kathleen maintained a keen sense of humour until her final days. She had a playful twinkle in her eye and often laughed until she cried at the antics of her grandchildren. The joy, strength, support, and love she brought into this world will be cherished and carried on by all who knew and loved her.
Kathleen will be sorely missed by her devoted husband, Milton Cook; three children, Rod Cook (Leanne), Daphne Clegg (Richard), and Gordon Cook (Cathy); eight grandchildren, Julie, Dan (Kara), Sarah (Tyler), Melissa (Ryan), Steve (Marla), Alex (Dominique), Eric (Devon), and Bruce; and her six great-grandchildren who brought her great joy late in life, Elizabeth, Arli, Kipton, Reece, Hoyt, and Dawson. She will also be missed by her many beloved extended family members in the Manery and Cook families.
A woman of steadfast faith, Kathleen is now restored and reunited in her eternal home with her late parents, Samuel and Mabel Manery, as well as her late siblings, Gordon Manery, Ronald Manery, Jean Innis, Helen King, and Marjorie Harker.
Kathleen's family is especially grateful to Tamilee Finley for her exceptional loving care in Kathleen's final year.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to Doctors Without Borders. A service will be announced at a later date.
Condolences may be sent to the family by visiting www.springfieldfuneralhome.com
Springfield Funeral Home
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