Elaine Claire Johnson Cook

Johnson Cook, Elaine Claire, 85, of Miramar, Florida and Bailey Island, Maine died Monday February 14, 2011 at her son David's home where she had been cared for by him and her daughter-in-law Donna, following a brief illness. Elaine was surrounded by her family at the time of her death. Elaine was born in Saco, Maine, May 20, 1925, and is the daughter of Harley and Gertrude Johnson. Elaine had five children with Charles Maurice Cook. Stephen Cook and wife Sharon of Marshfield, Maine; Marsha Kallstrom of Weston, Florida; Kathy Cook of Fayette, Maine; Sharon Greenberg and her husband Allen of Conroe, Texas and David Cook and his wife Donna of Lake Worth, Florida. Elaine moved to Bailey Island in the late 1940's where she and Maurice founded Cook's Lobster Pound and soon expanded the family business to include the famous Cook's Lobster House in 1955 followed two years later by the Cook's Island View Motel. Elaine had the passion of a true entrepreneur until her retirement in 1979. Upon her retirement Elaine moved to Miramar, Florida where she established her primary residence, but always returned to her home on Bailey Island each summer. Bailey Island is the true home of her heart and will become her final resting place. Elaine bowled in the senior league at Yankee Lanes every summer upon arriving from Florida. While in Florida she also was a league bowler, a volunteer at the VFW, an avid reader who patronized both the Orr's Island Library while in Maine and the Broward County Libraries while in Florida and most importantly a woman who greatly enjoyed traveling and dinners both out and in the presence of her family to the fullest. In addition to her five children, Elaine leaves behind ten grandchildren, a sister Natalie Johnson of Connecticut and a brother Donald Johnson of North Waterboro, Maine. She was predeceased by her brothers Earl and Gary Johnson Visitation will be from 1-2 p.m. on Thursday, February 24, followed by the funeral service at 2 p.m. at Brackett Funeral Home, 29 Federal St., Brunswick, Maine. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the Palm Beach Hospice.