Obituary of Monica Mary Cook

COOK: Monica Mary (nee Johnston) - A resident of Chatham, and formerly of Prairie Siding, Monica Cook passed away at the Residence on the Thames on Sunday, October 16, 2016 at the age of 85. Born in Chatham, Monica was the daughter of the late Duncan and Louise (VanPreat) Johnston. Beloved wife of 37 years to the late Ross Cook of Bowmanville (1988). Dear mother of Shelley Lauzon (Randy) of Chatham, Jacquie Cook (David Ramsden) of Blenheim. Proud grandmother of Christopher Lauzon of Chatham, Nicholas Lauzon (Kimberly) of Chatham, Katie Lauzon (Tim Diamond) of Stratford, Jessica Ramsden (Adam Wice) of South River, Christina Cook (Gene Plumley) of Verner and Victoria Ramsden (Chris Ukranic) of Burk's Falls. Great-grandmother of Yessenya Ramsden, Matthew Plumley, Lilliana Ramsden and Danilo Ramsden. Sister to Robert Johnston (Carol) of Prairie Siding and David Johnston (Verna) of Chatham. Predeceased by her sister Martha Patrick (2003) (late Archie). Survived by her sisters-in-law Helen Cook (late Frank), Florence Cook (late Reg) and Violet Cook (late Edwin). Also missed by many nieces, nephews, extended family and special friends at Caleb Village and Residence on the Thames. Monica had frequented the South Buxton Raceway, where her late husband Ross used to work the pit gate and race stock cars. After he passed in 1988, they began the Annual Ross Cook Memorial Race, where she would present the trophy to the winner of the late model champion, starting with Larry Atkinson and ending in 1998 with Kirk Hooker. She volunteered at the VON for over 20 years, doing palliative care from 1987 to 2007. She was a member of the St. Agnes CWL, and formerly the St. Peter's CWL. Special thanks to the staff at the Residence on the Thames for their care and compassion. Family will receive friends at the Funeral Home, 459 St. Clair Street, Chatham on Wednesday from 3:00 - 5:00 pm and 7:00 - 9:00 pm. Vigil Prayers will be held on Wednesday at 4:30 pm. CWL Prayers will follow. A Funeral Mass will be celebrated at St. Peter's Catholic Church, 5425 Tecumseh Line, Tilbury East at 11:00 am on Thursday, October 20, 2016 with Fr. Peter Amszej celebrant. Interment to follow at St. Peter's Cemetery. Donations made in memory of Monica to the Canadian Diabetes Association, VON Chatham-Kent or Canadian Cancer Society would be appreciated. Online condolences may be left at www.mckinlayfuneralhome.com. <iframe src="https://player.vimeo.com/video/188068284" width="640" height="480" frameborder="0" webkitallowfullscreen mozallowfullscreen allowfullscreen></iframe> <p><a href="https://vimeo.com/188068284">Cook, Monica</a> from <a href="https://vimeo.com/user27484248">McKinlay Funeral Homes Ltd.</a> on <a href="https://vimeo.com">Vimeo</a>.</p>