Charlene Marie Cook

Charlene Marie Hildebrand Cook passed away at Corewell Health South in St. Joseph at the age of 93 on September 14, 2023. Cremation has taken place and at this time the family will be remembering her privately. Memorial contributions may be sent to St. Jude Children’s Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105 or The Wounded Warrior Project, P.O. Box 758516, Topeka, KS, 66675. Online condolences accepted at www.PikeFH.com.  

Charlene was born on September 28, 1929 in Chicago, Illinois to the late Charles and Lorene (Kohley) Hildebrand. At the age of two, the family moved to New Buffalo, MI. She was the eldest of six sisters: Norma, Lois, Martha, Karol and Karen.

Charlene grew up within a farming community, surrounded by immediate and extended family. They believed in, and practiced the values of faith in God, love of family, hard work, and loyalty to country. After graduation from New Buffalo High School, Charlene attended St. Margaret’s School of Nursing in Hammond Indiana and earned a R.N. degree in nursing. Her nursing career spanned 50 years, retiring from Jordan’s Nursing Home at the age of 70. In 1949 she married Donald R. Cook and raised a daughter, Diana Lynn.

Charlene believed in “paying it forward”. Throughout her active years she was a member of the St. Agnes Altar Society, New Buffalo Service League and volunteered at the Harbor Country Food Pantry as well as the River Valley Senior Center.

She was a world traveler, an artist, a gardener, an avid reader, a lover of nature, a caring friend, and a wonderful big sister. Above all, she was the ultimate role model for her daughter Diana, grandchildren Lucas and Erin, and her great grandchildren: Sophia Rose, Brenna Claire, Mia Kelli, and Tyler James.

She is survived by daughter: Diana (McCotter) and favorite son-in-law Phillip; grandchildren: Lucas (Dawn) McCotter, Erin (CJ) Noble; great grandchildren: Sophia, Brenna, Mia, and Tyler; sisters: Norma Cook, Karol Walter, Karen Bette; and a multitude of nieces and nephews.

Charlene was also preceded in death by husband: Donald R. Cook; and sisters: Lois Miller and Martha Greco.

The family would like to thank the staff of Woodland Terrace in Bridgman for the exceptional care extended to Charlene. You are all “angels” in our eyes.

She was loved. She will be missed, Cheers to a life well lived.