Ruby Duhamel Cook

1946 - 2017

Ruby Duhamel Cook

Life Story
Amazing Mom, Memere and Aunt

On December 5, 2017 our good friend Ruby, Crossed over and left the physical vessel she called home for the last 71 years, after experiencing a wonderfully blessed incarnation.

Ruby was diagnosed with COPD, emphysema and Stage IV lung cancer back in September of 2014. Always positive and upbeat, Ruby never let her physical problems defeat her mentally or emotionally.

Ruby was born in Lowell on December 2, 1946. She was the daughter of the late Louis Charles and Claire A. (St. Hilaire) Duhamel. She cherished family more than anything else. She was an amazing mom, Memere and aunt. She was fun, but strict. She would take her grandchildren for as long as she was allowed, proudly sharing them with family.

She was also an incredible daughter and niece. She made a point of being there for all of her aunts and uncles, whether it was driving them to appointments, picking up groceries or just plain visiting. In 2009 Ruby's position at the House of Hope, where she worked for 20 years, changed from part time to full time. She had wanted full time hours for many years, but the timing was unkind - it was also the time that her mother's Alzheimers got worse. Ruby proceeded to work full time, finding daily care for her mom and then after work would lovingly go home and care for her. No complaints, just love.

Ruby also loved to be involved. She joined the Franco American Day Committee and became it's first female president. She encouraged other family members to join in the committee to help celebrate their heritage. She also served as a member of the Royal Arcanum - Association Canado-Américaine for many years and was currently serving as their President. She graduated from Lowell High School in 1964 and then continued to be involved on the reunion committee. It was there that she reignited high school friendships and created new ones. She was proud to be a part of the LGBT Community!!! She strongly believed in personal freedom and the right to voice her own opinion. She always stood up for the underdog in any given circumstance.

Ruby will forever be remembered as a beautiful woman with a vibrant smile. She was known for her beautifully matched hats, scarves, jewelry and flip flops.

Ruby is survived by her daughter and son-in-law, Amy-Jean and John R. Leblanc of Lunenburg, her son, Louis C. Cook and his girlfriend, Sharon Wells of Boxborough; five grandchildren, John R. Leblanc and Kaitlyne Cullinane, Kurt C. Leblanc and Alexandra Stringer, Harrison M. Cook, Trinity C. Cook, Cameron C. Cook; a brother and sister-in-law, Richard "Ricky" and Marie Duhamel of Harlingen, TX; her former husband and dear friend, Bill Cook of Owensboro, KY; her cousin, "sister" and caretaker, Madeleine Bournival of Trois-Rivières, Quebec, her niece and two nephews and many cousins and friends. And her loving cat, Minou. Ruby was predeceased by her one true love Virginia A. "Ginger" Phelan, her parents, and her niece, Paula Ann Duhamel.

COOK -- Relatives and friends are invited to Ruby's Life Celebration at the McKENNA - OUELLETTE FUNERAL HOME, 327 Hildreth Street, Lowell, on Sunday, from 1:00 until 5:00 p.m. Her Pagan Ritual will begin promptly at 4:00 p.m. Burial will be private. In lieu of flowers donations in Ruby's memory may be made to American Diabetes Association, P.O. Box 15829, Arlington, VA 22215 or the Pat Brody Shelter for Cats, PO Box 142, Lunenburg, MA 01462. For directions, condolences, and more on Ruby's Life Story please visit www.mckennaouellette.com.