Eileen Hunter Cook

Eileen Hunter Cook died December 22nd, 2023, at the age of 93, after a brief illness. She was surrounded by her loving family. Eileen was born February 16, 1930, in Little Ferry, New Jersey to Stanley Hunter and Ruth Bunn Hunter. She grew up in New Jersey and New York, but Florida was home to her much of her adult life. She married the love of her life, William C. ( Bill ) Cook, in 1952 and together they raised a family of six children. Her family was the joy and focus of her life.

When Eileen had raised her kids she decided to go to nursing school and become an LPN. She worked as a nurse in Florida Hospital (now Advent Hospital) for a brief period, fulfilling a lifelong dream. She maintained an interest in health and caring for others her entire life. Eileen was an avid crafter and created beautiful items that are cherished by her family and friends. She was an FSU Seminole fan, kept her mind sharp doing crossword puzzles, and was a voracious reader of true-crime stories. She watched every episode of the Law & Order series several times over.

She was passionate about cats, especially her beloved Belle and Jasmine. She also loved her grand-dogs, particularly Wally and Marshall. She supported several animal, law enforcement and Indian charities, amongst others. Her stack of calendars, tote bags, socks, pens, dream catchers and even a calculator were evidence of her generosity and the hopeful solicitations of various charities vying for her contributions.

She had always wanted to ride a motorcycle and a horse. She realized her desire to ride a motorcycle when her son Bill took her for a ride on the back of his Harley when she was 87. Her dream to ride a horse was never realized but she enjoyed hearing about the riding adventures of her son-in-law, Gary.

Eileen loved Jesus , her family, and was a good friend to many throughout the years. She is preceded in death by her husband, Bill Cook and two of her sons; Douglas (Doug ) Cook and James (Jim) Cook; her step-grandson Erik Norman and son-in-law Dr. Harry Tucker. Also preceding her was her sister, Carol Redlefsen and niece Janice Felix.

She is survived by four children, Robert Cook ( Linda), Linda Cook Norman ( Gary ), Eileen Cook Dyer (James), and William D. Cook ( Robyn). She is also survived by her daughter- in- law Sandra Cook, widow of Douglas Cook . Her children together with her grandchildren Kelly, Laura, Nicole, Billy, Andrew, Jeremy, Del, Clay, Tyler, and Casey; and great- grandchildren, will carry on her legacy of love.

A graveside service will be held Friday, December 29, 2023, 1pm at Highland Memory Gardens, 3329 E. SemoranBlvd., Apopka, FL. In lieu of flowers, the family is suggesting donations in her memory to: Voices of Change Animal League ( aka VOCAL) 6393 SW 52nd St. Ocala, Fl 34474. Or online: https://vocalforpets.org/give-to-our- goals-and-their-future/ Please indicate in the remarks that it is a memorial gift in memory of Eileen Cook.