Irene Anne Mundee- Cook

Irene Anne Mundee Cook

October 7, 1940 – August 13, 2025

Irene Anne Mundee Cook, 84, of Crosby, Texas, passed away peacefully on August 13, 2025. Born on October 7, 1940, in Saskatchewan, Canada, Irene lived a life of service, dedication, and adventure that touched countless lives across two countries.

Early Life and Education

Born and raised in Saskatchewan, Canada, Irene pursued her education with determination and purpose. She earned her Bachelor of Arts degree from the University of Saskatchewan and later obtained her Master of Social Work from the University of Manitoba. Her educational foundation would serve as the cornerstone for a remarkable career dedicated to helping others.

Professional Journey

Irene's career in social work began with extraordinary courage and compassion. She spent a transformative summer working at the Eskimo Rehabilitation Center on Baffin Island, followed by 17 months serving the Native population in remote areas of Northern Saskatchewan. Her commitment to reaching those most in need led her to travel by boat and plane-equipped with floats or skis-to access isolated settlements where her services were desperately needed.

Her career path then took her to Vancouver, British Columbia, where she worked in child welfare for four years, continuing her mission to protect and advocate for vulnerable populations.

Marriage and Family Life

On October 19, 1968, Irene married Richard Doughty Mundee Jr., beginning a new chapter that would take her across North America. Together, they lived and worked in Memphis, San Diego, Tulsa, and Houston before settling in Crosby, Texas, on July 1, 1976.

Following her divorce in 1983, Irene found love again and married Billy Joe Cook on Valentine's Day, February 14, 1992. This union brought her into a loving blended family and provided her with deep joy in her later years.

Career in Texas

Upon arriving in Crosby, Irene dedicated 16 years of service to Catholic Charities, continuing her lifelong mission of helping those in need. In 1983, she expanded her career into home health services while simultaneously pursuing private practice in clinical psychotherapy beginning in 1992. Her dual commitment to both physical and mental health care demonstrated her holistic approach to healing. She retired from psychotherapy in 2010 and from home health services in 2015, leaving behind a legacy of compassionate care.

Community Involvement and Hobbies

Irene was deeply woven into the fabric of her community. She was an active volunteer with the Friends of Crosby Library, Kids Hope, and Crosby United Methodist Church, where she formed many treasured friendships. Her creative spirit found expression through knitting and crocheting, crafts that allowed her to create beautiful handmade gifts for loved ones.

As a devoted Houston Astros fan, Irene could often be found cheering on her team with enthusiasm. She also enjoyed traveling and exploring area wineries, always eager for new experiences and adventures well into her golden years.

Surviving Family

Irene is survived by numerous cousins in Canada who remained close to her heart throughout her life. She leaves behind her step-daughter Becky of Topeka, along with other stepchildren, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and great-great-grandchildren with whom she maintained varying but meaningful relationships.

She held an especially close bond with her step-grandson CJ Tolle and cherished relationships with step-nieces and nephews, the Drummonds. Her church family at Crosby United Methodist Church, along with many dear friends, will deeply miss her warm presence and generous spirit.

Legacy

Irene Anne Mundee Cook's life was a testament to the power of service, resilience, and love. From the remote settlements of Northern Canada to the neighborhoods of Crosby, Texas, she dedicated herself to improving the lives of others. Her professional accomplishments in social work and psychotherapy, combined with her volunteer spirit and loving nature, created ripples of positive impact that will continue long after her passing.

Her adventurous spirit, whether traveling by float plane to arctic communities or cheering at Astros games, reminded all who knew her that life should be lived fully and with purpose. Irene's legacy lives on in the countless lives she touched, the communities she served, and the family and friends who were blessed to know her.