Elaine L. Cook's Obituary
Mrs. Elaine Louise (Grunst) Cook, of Spring Lake passed away at the Hospice Residence of North Ottawa Community on November 19, 2015 at the age of 93. Elaine was born July 23, 1922 in Grand Haven, the eldest daughter of Richard and Mayme (Barden) Grunst. She was very independent and strong-willed and in a nurturing way gave of herself to everyone. Elaine was a loving wife and mother; passionate about providing for “her boys”. She was equally passionate about her work and play; the work beginning as a teen in her Uncle Bill’s “Pastime Cigar and Tobacco Store” in downtown Grand Haven, positions as a secretary in several area businesses and culminating in her mid-sixties retirement in 1986 from Spring Lake Schools, as a library/media technician. She was involved in Cub Scouts as a den mother, Boy Scouts, Order of the Eastern Star (Masonic Temple), a founding member of the Grand Haven Genealogical Society, a member of the Spring Lake Presbyterian church, a social group of lifelong friends simply known as the “Club” and a sewing/crafts group known as the “Knit-Wits”. She was a member of the Tri-Cities Historical Society and was a Friend of the Spring Lake Library. In addition, she helped form a group called the Questors who searched antique marts, auctions and flea markets, finding numerous treasures. She also avidly enjoyed bowling, playing cards and jigsaw and word puzzles. She attended and supported her sons’ scouting, band, school plays and sports activities without fail, often attending two or more events in the same day. She greatly enjoyed Spartan football and basketball and was totally loyal to the Detroit Tigers. She cooked and baked for large groups of family and friends who enjoyed numerous picnics around the patio and pool--passing along what have become numerous family favorites. When asked on the occasions of her birthday or other holidays what she would like most, she would invariably answer with “that you guys love and respect each other always”. Her big heart equally loved all animals but she was especially fond of the family dogs, Duffy, Duke, Duffy II and Bingo. Elaine was preceded in death by her parents and husband, Elmer “Pat” Cook who died in 1976, her infant son Patrick Lee in 1943 and sister Dorthea “Dottie” and brother-in-law William Yonker of Spring Lake. Surviving are her sister Gloria and brother-in-law Donald Sutton of Grand Rapids and numerous nephews and nieces along with her four boys: Greg (Patricia), Doug (Paige), Stacy (Gina) and Michael “Mic”; cherished grandchildren Kathryn, Whitney, Madison, Nick and Alayna and treasured great grandchildren Maxwell, Cooper and Jackson. Elaine attended Grand Haven High School and graduated in 1940. She attended her 72nd class reunion in the summer of 2012 when she also celebrated her 90th birthday. Special thanks to the wonderful staffs at Christian Haven, American House and Hospice for their dedicated care and service. A MEMORIAL GATHERING will take place on Saturday, December 5, 2015 at The Lee Chapel, 6291 S. Harvey St. (231-798-1100) from 2:00 pm to 4:00 pm. In lieu of flowers donations can be made to North Ottawa Hospice. Feel free to share a memory with the family at www.sytsemafh.com.
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