Dena Cook Obituary

Dena Cook, age 96, of Grand Rapids, went into the arms of Jesus on Friday, January 4, 2013. Dena worked for 25 years at Abbott's Pharmacy on Plainfield Ave. running the soda fountain and post office and always had a smile for all who came in. She was a well known "Northender" and a member of Second Congregational Church. Her greatest joy was spending time with her family and never missed a birthday or holiday party. Dena enjoyed picnics at North Shore Beach and spending time at Big White Fish Lake with sister, Margaret. Her love, kindness, and laughter will be forever missed. She was preceded in death by her husband, Francis E. Cook; parents, Henry and Corneila "Katie" Hoekstra; sisters, Margaret Karczewski and Jessie Ford. Surviving are her children, Thomas (Suzanne) Cook and Shirley (Art) Despres; grandchildren, Mike (Dawn) Despres, Steve (Sue) Despres, Cheri (John) Deering, Terry Despres and Renee (Derek) Fox; great grandchildren, Jaime (Mat) Degraff, Steven (Alison) Despres, Jr., Paul Despres, Amber and Karley Deering, Karlee and Michael Despres, Lauren Finnigan and Nicholas Fox, Melissa (Chris) Bird, Stephanie Despres, and T.J. Despres; great great grandchildren, Emerson and Elle Despres, Townes Degraff, Raelyn Bird and her sister-in-law and dear friend Mildred (Alfred) Cook. Also surviving are many nieces and nephews all of whom she loved dearly. Funeral services will be held on Tuesday, January 8, 2013 at 11:00 a.m. at Reyers North Valley Chapel, 2815 Fuller Ave. N.E., Grand Rapids with Rev. Ila Flo Barfuss of Pilgrim Manor officiating. Interment will follow at Fairplains Cemetery. The family will receive friends at the funeral home on Monday, January 7, 2013, from 2:00p.m until 4:00 p.m. and again from 6:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. The family would like to thank all of the special "angels" at Pilgrim Manor that cared for Dena while she was there; she loved you all and would request that those desiring, please consider a contribution to Pilgrim Manor Foundation Fund in memory of Dena Cook.

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Published by Grand Rapids Press from Jan. 6 to Jan. 7, 2013.

Memories and Condolences
for Dena Cook

7 Entries

Mary Ann Kubiak

January 4, 2014

Aunt Dena was a very "with it" lady. I admired her for keeping up on the news and for her interest in sports. She always liked a good joke. Her family was most important to her and they, in return, were always there for her. She was very much loved and she knew that and appreciated it. When she could no longer be independent, she graciously accepted all that was done to help her. I especially appreciated the wonderful sister and companion that she was to my mom. I will keep special memories of aunt Dena in my heart forever. Mary Ann

Cheri Deering

January 13, 2013

It's been only a week and i miss you already. There is great comfort in the memories of our time together, but even more knowing that you are renewed and in the loving Care of our Father in Heaven. We spoke of that often. You will be in my spirit and heart forever...thank you for always loving me. You were the best granmother that a grandaughter could ever have. We will be together again someday in the presence of His Glory!

Sally Chalmers

January 7, 2013

We loved Dena. She was always happy to see someone come through her door and would make each and every one feel welcome. She was happy, upbeat and always smiling. We will miss her.

January 7, 2013

What a wonderful aunt and second mother Dena was to us all. She had such a bounty of love and joy, and she shared it generously with us. She will so so missed, but we understand she needed to go now. She and Frank and Margaret are together again, and this is good. Jim and Carole

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January 6, 2013

My condolences to the Cook family. So many memories including the player piano and bumper pool.....and many times with Tom when we were kids........Mike Palmer, Phoenix , AZ

Peter Karczewski

January 6, 2013

Aunt Dena and the Klan

I remember the sounds of the car.
What a thrill!
The shift to second,
To make the hill

The doors would fly open,
And her grand kids piled out.
That's what her younger
Days were about.

One day a week in the
Summer they stopped.
Aunt Dena and the youngsters,
A wonderful crop.

We'd fish and swim and
Maybe play ball.
Oh what a time,
Was had by all.

The hot dogs would boil
And bubble and steam.
With that for lunch,
Was a young kid's dream.

Cool Aid flowed
At an astonishing rate.
That and the hot dogs,
A delicious mate.

The day whizzed by,
With fun and good cheer.
Aunt Dean and Mom
Always were near.

Thanks for the loving
Memories that I know.
See you in heaven,
I know that you must go.

By: Peter H. Karczewski, 1/5/13

Dee Sampson

January 6, 2013

What a wonderful lady Aunt Dena was. Someone you would want to model yourself after. Gentle, kind, loving,full of fun, always a kind word and very witty. She always appreciated anything you did for her and was such a ray of light in my life. I'm very blessed to have had her as my aunt. Love, Dee

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