Ушла из жизни Донна Кук, выжившая при рождении с тяжелым астматическим заболеванием и прожившая 93 года

Donna A. Cook January 13, 1933 - August 21, 2026 Donna A. Cook Obituary Jay, Maine - The twinkle in her beautiful blue eyes has dimmed. Our mother, Donna A. Cook, passed away on Friday, August 21, 2026, at her home, surrounded by her loving family. Donna was born at home in Bradley on January 13, 1933, the 14th child of Rose and William Petrie. Born with severe asthma, she was not expected to survive the night. That was a defining moment of how much strength, toughness and determination she possessed. She would carry these qualities and call on them for the following 93 years of her life. Donna's blended family consisted of 22 children. Although times were challenging, she would say, "I didn't know we were poor. The happiest time of my life were growing up in Milford on the Penobscot River" Born into a musical family, their home was always filled with song and dance. She loved playing the piano and the ukulele. The Petrie sisters loved to sing in harmony, especially while crossing the river in their rowboat. The river was her playground, where she honed her skills as a gifted swimmer, diver and ice skater. Donna met and fell in love with Gilbert Cook while attending Old Town High School, where she excelled in softball, musical theatre, and cheerleading. She and Gilbert married on February 23, 1952, and remained married for 63 years until his passing in 2015. Together they raised four children in Jay. From a very early age she loved fashion and dressed in impeccable style. Her musical journey morphed from its beginning by singing opera for local weddings, to performing in nursing homes, to forming her own bands: The Kenny Stone Trio and The Music Makers. For many years, she was the vocalist for the Kora Temple Shrine 16-piece big pand. More recently she spent almost every day with her best friend, Benny Benadetto, singing and playing the piano for hours on end. Donna was an extremely dedicated and hard worker. She enjoyed her time working at the Jay High School cafeteria, which allowed her to keep an eye on the shenanigans of her four children! She cherished her 25-year waitressing career at LaFleur's, where she earned the title of "Pie Lady," "Hostess with the Mostest," and "Musical Entertainer." Donna possessed a childlike wonder while navigating life. She was beautiful, hysterically funny, and extremely generous with family, friends, and strangers in need. She could, and would, strike up a conversation with anyone, always able to find commonalities. For the past 11 years, she lived independently. She looked forward to her exercise class three times a week at Fitness Stylz, loved playing cards and going on senior bus trips with her friend, Lillian Wight. She never passed up an opportunity to spend time at a casino, and shopping was her favorite pastime. Though she loved Christmas for all the right reasons, she would shop year-round in preparation for showering her family with gifts galore. If a store was going out of business, she came home with bargain garments regardless of size or style! She spent summers at Holdbrook Pond with her daughter, Lisa. She loved swimming, kayaking, sleeping on the porch, and fearless rides on the Sea-Doo! She was a communicant of St. Rose of Lima Church, where she once enjoyed singing in the choir. Donna was a past member of the Jaycees, Red Hat Society, and the Daughters of Isabella. Donna was predeceased by her husband Gilbert, in-laws, Kenneth and Zelie Cook, parents Rose and William Petrie, and 21 siblings, most recently her sisters, Olive Buck and Theresa Laliberte. Also predeceasing her were her son-in-law, John Gabarra; several nieces and nephews; and special friends, Shirley Libby, Jean Breton, Peggy McDonald, Arlene Purrington, Dot Landry, and Benny Benadetto; and her beloved dog, Sparkie. Donna is survived by her children, Don and Autumn Cook of West Virginia, David and Kim Cook of Jay, Lisa Gabarra and partner, Kevin O'Connell, of Orrington and Brewer, and Daniel Cook and his pet, Meatball, of New Hampshire. Grandchildren include Scott, Ryan, Christopher, Morgan and Allyson Cook. The family is appreciative of the many expressions of care and concern from countless friends and family members, each one warming their hearts. A special thank you to Marilyn Michaud, Kathy Libby, Donna Greely, Kevin O'Connell and St. Joseph Homecare and Hospice, Andwell Health Partners and Dr. Cota. A funeral Mass will be celebrated at 11 a.m. Thursday, August 27, at St. Rose of Lima Church, 1 Church St., Jay, Maine. Interment at Jay Hill Cemetery, Jay, Maine. Arrangements by Finley Funeral Home, 15 Church St., Livermore Falls, Maine. In lieu of flowers, donations to the non-profit "25 Days of Kindness" would be greatly appreciated in her honor. Town of Holden, 25 Days of Kindness, 570 Main Rd., Holden, ME 04429. Messages of condolence may be sent to finleyfuneralhome.com. To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Donna, please visit our floral store. Jay, Maine - The twinkle in her beautiful blue eyes has dimmed. Our mother, Donna A. Cook, passed away on Friday, August 21, 2026, at her home, surrounded by her loving family. Donna was born at home in Bradley on January 13, 1933, the 14th child of Rose and William Petrie. Born with severe asthma, she was not expected to survive the night. That Published on August 24, 2026 Events There are no events scheduled. You can still show your support by sending flowers directly to the family, or plant a tree in memory of Donna A. Cook.Visit the Tribute Store Guestbook In Memory of Donna A. Cook