Edward E. Cook, "The Rosary Maker" of Carleton, MI, entered eternal, everlasting life on Tuesday, January 9, 2024, reuniting him with his eldest daughter Mary Sue, son Timothy Robert, grandson Gregory, and great-granddaughter Amelia. The legacy of love, faith, and family he so artfully cultivated will carry on with his beautiful wife Patricia. During his 94 years, we were blessed to learn many valuable lessons from Ed, perhaps none more cherished than his masterful example of the perfect trifecta: a dedicated husband, a loving father, and a beloved grandfather.
Born, 21 April 1929, Edward was raised by a single, yet strong, Italian, fire-cracker mother. At 14, he was accepted into an apprentice program at Henry Ford Trade School. With the newly acquired trade of Pattern Maker in hand, he began a prestigious 35-year career at Ford Motor company, steadily rising through the ranks and attaining the position of Foreman. He served his country with distinction during the Korean War, enlisting in the United States Air Force as a member of the classified 4925 Atomic Test group. He met his wife, Patricia, while serving on an academic assignment to NW Missouri State University. His tall, uniformed frame, dazzling smile, and piercing blue eyes caught her attention. Edward and Patricia married, June 27, 1955. His unconditional love for Patricia grew ever stronger throughout their 68 years together. He credited her with shaping him into the amazing man and role model we cherish and remember today. Together they chose to settle in Carleton, MI, where they turned 20 acres and a pond into an idyllic wonderland for their kids and grandkids, leaving a trail of beautiful memories: bonfires, BBQs, pond hockey, fishing, frog hunting, snow forts, treehouses, horseback riding, ping-pong, flash-tag, and backyard football, softball and volleyball, which accentuated a life so joyfully lived.
Edward dedicated his free time to volunteerism and mentorship in the community at large and at home with family. He served the St Patrick's parish as a choir member, Lector, Eucharistic Minister, and PTA president. He was an active member of the St Vincent de Paul Society, Knights of Columbus and AMVETS, supporting his Catholic faith and fellow veterans. But mostly, Edward found joy in the simple act of fatherhood and the teaching, mentoring, and coaching that came with it. He spent endless patient hours fixing unfixable objects and equally endless, although less patient, hours tutoring his children in math and science. He coached CYO softball and volleyball at St Pats and St Michaels. He assisted with SMCC Volleyball for 10 years, helping two teams reach State titles and one being inducted into the SMCC hall of fame.
He stayed active throughout retirement, earning an associate degree in culinary arts, where his affinity for sweets and his knack for precise patterns and meticulous recipes produced delicious results. A man of deep faith, he not only accepted the call of Our Lady of Fatima to pray the rosary, but he promoted her goal by making a rosary every single day. Cultivating seeds (Job's Tears) in his own garden, he made nearly 6,000 rosaries which have been distributed world-wide, from Antarctica to Guatemala, and Spain to Australia.
An avid sportsman, Edward "Roadrunner" Cook loved running, bowling, gardening, yo-yo, softball, horseshoes, singing, cooking, canning, root beer floats and Vernor's Ginger Ale to name a few things. But most of all Ed loved Pat and their family. He was fiercely devoted to providing for his family. In his last few earth-bound weeks, he frequently asked Alexa to play "Perhaps Love," so it's fitting to end here letting him know that his spirit and memory live on in each of us...our memories of love will be of you, Dad.
He is survived by his loving wife of 68 years, Patricia Ruth, and their 6 children: Cathy (Michael) Garner, Barb (Brian) Stein, Joe (Becky), Chris (Patricia), Tony (Helena), and Terri (Bart) Fisher; son-in-law William Terrasi; siblings Norma and Pam; niece JoAnne; and 29 grand and great-grandchildren.
Family and friends may visit from 3 p.m. to 8 p.m. Sunday, Jan. 14th at Bacarella Funeral Home. The Rosary will be recited at 6 p.m. by Deacon Tracy Esper and Rebecca Cook. Edward will lie in state at 10 a.m. Monday, Jan. 15th at Divine Grace Parish, Carleton Campus, where Mass of the Resurrection will be celebrated at 11 a.m. by former pastor, Rev. Fr. Robert Bauer. Burial will follow at St. Patrick Cemetery with military honors provided by Monroe VFW Post 1138.
The Cook family wishes to thank Ed's amazing caregivers, especially Katie, as well as the staff of Heartland Hospice, who lovingly treated him with dignity during this journey.
In lieu of flowers, please make memorial donations to St. Patrick School or St Mary Catholic Central High School.
Online condolences and special memories may be shared with the family by visiting the obituary page at www.bacarellafuneralhome.com .