Susan Elizabeth Cook

Susan Elizabeth Cook, 74, passed away peacefully at her family home in Bothell, Washington, on Friday, December 12th 2025, after facing glioblastoma with extraordinary courage and grace. From the moment of her diagnosis, Susan chose to fight quietly, fiercely, and with a resilience that surprised no one who knew her. She outlasted the odds, giving her family treasured extra months of memories, laughter, and love.

Born on February 16, 1951, in Ogden, Utah, Susan was the eldest of five children of Tacoma natives Walter and Beverly McCullough. As the big sister, she naturally took on the roles of helper, protector, and leader – roles she carried into every stage of her life. She graduated from Sammamish High School in Bellevue in 1969, and even before completing school, she began working at Frederick & Nelson, beginning a lifetime pattern of dedication, responsibility, and hard work.
Susan met Everett native Ross Cook in March 1971, and the two were married that December, beginning more than fifty years of unwavering partnership. Surrounded by extended family, children and grandchildren, they celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary over Thanksgiving in 2021 at Seabrook, Washington – an occasion filled with joy, gratitude, and deep love.

Susan had an adventurous spirit and embraced life's experiences with enthusiasm. She loved traveling, especially to Europe and the California wine country. She reveled in checking items off her bucket list: soaring in a hot-air balloon, fly-fishing in Idaho, skeet shooting with her son and son-in-law, and participating in a glass-blowing class with family to celebrate her 74th birthday in February 2025. For Susan, joy was found not just in the adventure itself, but in sharing it with those she loved most.

Family, volunteering, and friendship were the centerpieces of Susan's life, and she excelled in all three beyond measure. She poured her heart into her children's activities, serving in Cub Scouts, Boy Scouts, and the Moorlands Elementary PTA, where she was honored with the prestigious Golden Acorn Award for outstanding volunteer service. Her years working in the food service department of the Northshore School District brought her lasting friendships. Susan had a rare ability to connect with others deeply and sincerely, and those friendships remained some of the great joys of her life. She was also a proud and active member of the First Lutheran Church of Bothell, where her kindness and generosity made an impact on everyone she met.

Susan is survived by her loving husband, Ross Cook; her children Scott Cook (Vikki) of Lake Stevens and Sarah Rafuse (Jeff) of Redmond; her sisters Debi Medley (Warren) of Mill Creek and Nancy McCullough-McCoy (Michael) of Marana, Arizona; and her grandchildren, Carter Cook, Katie Cook, and Beck Rafuse, who were the light of her life. She is also survived by her sister-in-law Jane McCullough Muxen of West Seattle; her brother-in-law Scott Hamilton of Gold Bar; and her nieces and nephews Marc Medley, Bri Medley, Elise Hamilton, Keely Hamilton, Morgan McCullough, and Riely McCullough.
She was preceded in death by her parents; her brother Michael McCullough; and her sister Marion McCullough Hamilton.
A memorial service celebrating Susan's extraordinary life will be held at First Lutheran Church of Bothell at a date and time to be announced. For updated service information, please contact susancookmemorial@gmail.com.

Susan has been cremated, and her ashes will be scattered in a place that held deep meaning to her and her family. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to American Brain Tumor Association or the Evergreen Health Foundation Cancer Care Fund, in honor of Susan's generous heart and lifelong commitment to helping others.
Susan will be deeply missed by her family, by her friends, and by all who were fortunate enough to know her. Her strength, her warmth, and her unwavering love leave a legacy that will endure in the lives of those she touched.