Mass of Christian Burial for Irene Cook

After 99 years of loving, laughing, dancing, and caring for others, Irene Cook passed away on June 23, 2026. She leaves behind a family tree so large it could only have been grown through a lifetime of love, laughter, and an open door.

For all who knew her, love is the best way to describe Irene. She loved everyone: family, friends, neighbors, and strangers on the street. In all her years, she never met a stranger.

Irene was born in Cleveland, Ohio, one of nine children born to Jesus and Matilda Miranda. She was very proud of her Mexican heritage and often shared it through her music, sayings, and food. Of those nine children, she is survived by her "baby" sister, Rita Duda (Louis).

Irene married Raleigh "Ralph" Cook at the age of 19 and remained married to the love of her life for fifty years and one month until his passing. Together they raised four children of their own, adopted two children, and proudly fostered twenty-nine children in their home in Hinckley, Ohio.

After Ralph's passing, Irene continued to live her life out loud. She never let her age dictate what she could or couldn't do — or anyone else for that matter. She loved being the life of the party. On her 99th birthday, she celebrated by drinking whiskey sours and singing karaoke at a local bar surrounded by family and friends, some of whom she had only met that night.

When she wasn't partying, Irene enjoyed watching Law and Order SVU on television while snuggling with her "pals," Aurora and Elsa, and spending time with her numerous grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and great-great-grandchildren. She often finished her day with Midnight Mass on EWTN and prayers for all the people she loved.

Irene is survived by her children Bob (Gloria) Cook, Jack (Betty) Cook, Nancy Bridgman (Stew), and Beverly Bailey (Kevin); her grandchildren Robert Erdman, Michelle (Phil) Hurd, Jack (Laura) Cook, Michael (Loretta) Bridgman, Angel (Jonathan) English, James Bridgman, Jeremy (Hannah)Bailey , Melissa Lewis (Rob), Amanda Cook, Jason (Stacy) Bailey, Johrdan (Alex)Knowles, and Deborah Bailey(Jeffrey); her great-grandchildren Kayla McGinnis (Scott), Phillip (Allie) Hurd, Christopher Grabski, Hope Hurd, Ashley Bridgman, Samantha Grabski (Justin), Jacob (Rachelle) Hurd, Sarah Bridgman, Summer Giulitto (Vito), Nicholas Roman, Tristan Lewis(Abby), Austin Lewis, Zachary Zamborsky, Trinity O'Neal, Raymond O'Neal, Riley Lewis, Drake Bailey, Cody Lewis, Johrdan Knowles Jr., Genevieve Knowles, and Lorelai Bailey; as well as over twenty great-great-grandchildren, numerous nieces and nephews, and so many special friends who became honorary family.

In addition to her seven siblings and her loving husband, she was preceded in death by her sons, Paul and Everett "Bud" Cook; her great-granddaughter, Amber Cook; and her sons-in-law, Stewart Bridgman and Kevin Bailey.

Irene Cook may not have made it all the way to one hundred to tease and torment her friends and family as she had planned, but she lives on through the lives she touched and the memories of all those she loved.

In the words of what she would say was her favorite Mexican song:

"Ay, ay, ay, ay, canta y no llores,

porque cantando se alegran,

Cielito lindo, los corazones."

"Sing and don't cry, because by singing, hearts are gladdened."

Visitation will be held from 10-11 am, Wednesday, July 1, 2026, at Our Lady of Grace Parish, 1088 Ridge Rd., Hinckley, followed by Funeral Mass at 11 am. Interment will follow at Eastlawn Memory Gardens, Brunswick.