Barbara Joan Cook

1944 - 2022

Barbara Joan (Puisis) Cook finished her final project on Feb. 9, 2022, in Zelienople, in the hands of those she loved.
She was born in Muskegon, Mich., on Jan. 4, 1944, to Dominic and Estelle Puisis. They instilled in her the value of hard work and an appreciation of nature.
She married the love of her life, ladder holder, constant partner in crime, Harry "Skip" Cook, on Nov. 7, 1964. They were married for over 57 years. He remained her devoted and steadfast care provider up until her last breath. Through his love, commitment and constant devotion to her, so many learned how to love and serve profoundly.
She loved Lake Michigan, being in the woods, camping in their Airstream, and making beautiful homes. She made the BEST apple pies. Her heart, eyes and hands were always designing and creating. She renovated and brought back to life four homes on Poplar Street in Warren.
She was a graduate of the Art Institute of Pittsburgh. While she had multiple careers - real estate, designer at Ethan Allen Furniture in Pittsburgh, purveyor of the Tree House in Cooksburg - more than anything she loved her girls and their families. She loved nothing better than when they all gathered. The annual family weekends in Cooksburg are memories that will carry on for generations.
She will be deeply missed by her five daughters and their husbands, whom she claimed as her very own, Jennifer and Todd Boston of Warren, Emily and Jim Cunningham of Clarion, Abigail and Buddy Flerl of Wexford, Rachel and Mike Malak of Cranberry, and Gabrielle and Jeff Laswell of Franklin Park. She will be waiting at the mailbox for us.
She was a loving Nee Nee to her 17 grandchildren, Jacob (Nichole) and Mitchell Boston, Donny, Blaise, Mercedes, Violet and Raven Cunningham, Daphne, John and Luke Flerl, Addy, Nate and Owen Malak, Audrey, Dominic, Viola and Gabe Laswell. She was blessed with three great-grandchildren, Cam, Max and MaLeah.
She is also survived by her sisters, Cathy Findorff of Las Vegas, Nev., and Dorothy and Jim Schuler of Greenville, Mich.; her sister and brother-in-law, Sandy and Bill Burdick of Plainwell, Mich.; and numerous nieces and nephews.
She was preceded in death by her parents; her brother, Donald Puisis; her granddaughter, Violet Cunningham; and her very favorite corgi of all, Kinzua.
Through the final months of Barb's life, so many very blessed hands of the care providers at the Lutheran Senior Life Passavant Community in Zelienople tended to her so lovingly. She was very blessed to have been surrounded by the many that knew how to love and care for both Barb and Skip - for that the family is eternally grateful. There are no words to describe the impact that all of those loving hands have had on our family.
COOK - Friends of Barbara Joan (Puisis) Cook, who died Wednesday, Feb. 9, 2022, may call from 5 to 7 p.m. Sunday at DONALD E. LEWIS FUNERAL HOME, 304 East St., Warren, Pa.
A Mass of Christian burial will be celebrated at 11 a.m. Monday at St. Joseph Roman Catholic Church, 600 Pennsylvania Ave. West, Warren, Pa., with the Rev. Richard Tomasone officiating. It is no mistake that this Mass will be celebrated on her favorite day of the year, Valentine's Day.
Interment will be in St. Joseph R.C. Cemetery, Warren, Pa.
Those wishing to place memorials may do so through St. Joseph Church Educational Center Fund, 600 Pennsylvania Ave. West, Warren, PA. 16365, or St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, www.stjude.org
Please visit www.lewisfuneralhomeinc.com.