Helen Cook

Helen E. Cook, age 82, and widow of Charles F. Cook, passed away on October 12, 2012 in the Jane Phillips Medical Center, Bartlesville, Oklahoma. She had Parkinson's disease and she had accepted the limitations with grace and strength and retained her spirits and determination throughout the years. Helen "Elizabeth" Swank was born October 31, 1929 in Houston, Texas, the single daughter of Elsie Ann Clark and Clennen G. Swank. After early schooling, Elizabeth attended Texas Christian University where she studied religion and found her life-long love, Charles Cook. After college graduation, the two married November 24, 1949 in Houston and made their home there. She supported Charles in his post-graduate work at Rice University, during which time they had two daughters, Elizabeth Ann and Mary Helen. From Houston, Elizabeth and Charles spent time in Florida, and again, in Texas, prior to moving to Bartlesville, where the family settled. Elizabeth aspired to make Bartlesville the family's home: raising the girls; welcoming her parents to Bartlesville to be with the family and caring for them in the winter of their lives; learning French cooking from Julia Child and cultivating her own favorite recipes; fostering friendships; working with church youth groups; traveling to all parts of the world with Charles and welcoming friends made during those travels to Bartlesville; studying and collecting her cherished antiques; and devoting her care for Charles during his illness later in life. The family enthusiastically wishes to thank the caregivers who devoutly and lovingly cared for Elizabeth through the years. The constant care was provided with a sense of humor when called for, a sense of urgency when required, a sense of empathy always, at all times together with a sense of patience and fortitude. We give many blessings to all, including the current team of Karen Concordia, Mary Company, Cynthia Neel and Linda Flatford. Our family also gives a special thank you to Stephen Colaw for the many times when called upon for help and guidance during many challenging events. Elizabeth is survived by her two daughters, Elizabeth Ann and Mary Helen, together with her husband, Scott Spencer, and son, William. She will be missed and always loved. Services in memory of Elizabeth's life will be held at 9:30 a.m. on Tuesday, October 16, 2012, in the Arnold Moore & Neekamp Funeral Home Chapel, with graveside services to follow at Memorial Park Cemetery. Donations in lieu of flowers may be made to National Parkinson's Foundation or your charity of choice. Arrangements are under the direction of the Arnold Moore & Neekamp Funeral Home.

Service Details

Tuesday, October 16th, 2012 9:30am, Arnold Moore & Neekamp Funeral Home