We Remember
COOK, Kathleen Elizabeth (née Manery)
April 15, 1931 — February 6, 2021
Kathleen Elizabeth Cook (née Manery), 89, passed away peacefully at home on February 6, 2021, surrounded by loved ones. Kathleen was a beloved wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, aunt, cousin, and friend. Born April 15, 1931 in Penticton, BC to Similkameen Valley pioneers Sam and Mabel Manery, she was raised with her five siblings on the Manery family orchard in Cawston.
Kathleen married Milton Cook in 1952 and had three children: Rod, Daphne, and Gordon. She spent her early adult life raising her family and supporting and assisting Milton in many business and construction ventures. Kathleen devoted her life to her family and friends; it was often remarked that she was the glue that held them together. Known for her love of hosting, Kathleen was an excellent cook and loved nothing more than having family gather in her home to enjoy dinners around her beautifully set table. She kept her family and friends close, always remembering birthdays and anniversaries and keeping in touch through cards, letters, phone calls, and visits.
Cooking, baking, gardening, and volunteering were some of Kathleen’s many hobbies and talents. She had a discerning eye for style and architecture and loved designing and building homes. From volunteering in orphanages in Brazil to dining with Queen Elizabeth II, Kathleen’s faith, heart for service and charity, love of travel, and interest in politics led her to many unique and enriching experiences. Kathleen maintained a keen sense of humour until her final days. She had a playful twinkle in her eye and often laughed until she cried at the antics of her grandchildren. The joy, strength, support, and love she brought into this world will be cherished and carried on by all who knew and loved her.
Kathleen will be sorely missed by her devoted husband, Milton Cook; three children, Rod Cook (Leanne), Daphne Clegg (Richard), and Gordon Cook (Cathy); eight grandchildren, Julie, Dan (Kara), Sarah (Tyler), Melissa (Ryan), Steve (Marla), Alex (Dominique), Eric (Devon), and Bruce; and her six great-grandchildren who brought her great joy late in life, Elizabeth, Arli, Kipton, Reece, Hoyt, and Dawson. She will also be missed by her many beloved extended family members in the Manery and Cook families.
A woman of steadfast faith, Kathleen is now restored and reunited in her eternal home with her late parents, Samuel and Mabel Manery, as well as her late siblings, Gordon Manery, Ronald Manery, Jean Innis, Helen King, and Marjorie Harker.
Kathleen’s family is especially grateful to Tamilee Finley for her exceptional loving care in Kathleen’s final year.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to Doctors Without Borders. A service will be announced at a later date.
If you wish to send a condolence, post photos, or share a memory please scroll down the page to the area called “Condolences”.
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Doctors Without Borders Link: www.doctorswithoutborders.ca
Condolences
We would like to send your family our sincere condolences with the passing of Kathleen. We have known the family for many years in our neighborhood. Thoughts are with you during this time of sorrow, along with our wishes that the memories of Kathleen bring you peace, strength, and comfort. Wishing you all the strength to go on with many good memories.
The lady that always smiled, laughed and giggled and spread warmth wherever she went. A loving sister to my mother and father. my sisters, my wife and children. Those warm summer days spent on Skaha lake as guests of Kathleen & Milt were unforgettable. Love to all the cook family – our deepest condolences for your loss.
I will never forget “Gram” and am so blessed to have known this incredible woman. Her smile and laugh, that constant twinkle in her eye that made you wonder just what she might be up to or thinking, her baking and just her incredible love, acceptance, warmth and wisdom. She made me feel like a part of her family, as I’m sure she did for many others, and she will be missed. I will never forget Milton and Kathleen visiting us on the island in their giant motorhome and taking me and the kids for a ride around the block! My thoughts and prayers are with “Gramps” and the rest of the family that I know and love in Kelowna where I have so many fond memories of my days cleaning and helping with chores – over a decade ago now..
The Auntie that always kept in touch with all her nieces and nephews. For all the really great memories of growing up on the Manery farm.
For all the special times of Milton and Kathleen coming to visit us no matter where we lived.
Our sincerest condolences go out to Uncle Milton, Rod Daphnie & Gord and their families.
Milt and Family
A note to extend my condolences at this very sad time. It was a privilege to have known Mrs. Cook. She was intelligent, kind, understanding, elegant, gracious, and always with that twinkle in her eye. A great loss to all.
Dear Uncle Milt and family, The Queen is lucky to have dined with Auntie Kathleen! What a great person. So kind, funny, gracious and strong. I remember when she came all the way from Kelowna to Vancouver 18 years ago to help us out with the babies. Always so welcoming and loving whenever we passed through Kelowna. Lots of Love, Glen, Trish, Hannah and Grace
I am very sorry for your loss and wish your family strength during this difficult time.
Tracy Gray, Member of Parliament, Kelowna – Lake Country
I was saddened to hear of the passing of your Mom, who was always like a second Mom to me, growing up at Skaha Estates. And what a great Mom she was too. I remember her letting us construct a giant tree fort outside the back door, as well as rope swings and slides into the lake. She was such a good sport to give up part of her garden to let us pursue our wild schemes. Her loving and accepting nature will always be remembered by both of us. Your Mom was one of the nicest, most genuine people we have known and we hope your many happy memories with her will bring you comfort.
Wanted to send along our condolences to you all on the passing of your wife, mom and gram. Although we didn’t know her as well as the rest of you, way back in the 1960’s, reading the tribute to her written up in the Penticton Herald was fascinating. Kudos to whoever put that together. We send our best to my first and “best” boss, “Mr. Cook” as well as to the rest of the family.
Our sympathy and condolences to the Cook Family and for their loss.