Barbara Joan Cook (Puisis) finished her final project on February 9, 2022, in Zelienople, PA in the hands of those she loved.
Born in Muskegon, Michigan on January 4, 1944, to Dominic and Estelle Puisis; they instilled in her the value of hard work and an appreciation of nature.
She married the love of her life, ladder holder, constant partner in crime, Harry “Skip” Cook on November 7, 1964. They were married for over 57 years. He remained her devoted and steadfast care provider up until her last breath. Through his love, commitment and constant devotion to her, so many learned how to love and serve profoundly.
She loved Lake Michigan, being in the woods, camping in their Airstream and making beautiful homes. She made the BEST apple pies. Her heart, eyes and hands were always designing and creating. She renovated and brought back to life four homes on Poplar Street in Warren. She was a graduate of the Art Institute of Pittsburgh. While she had multiple careers; Real Estate, designer at Ethan Allen Furniture in Pittsburgh, purveyor of the Tree House in Cooksburg; more than anything she loved her girls and their families. She loved nothing better than when they all gathered. The annual Family Weekend in Cooksburg are memories that will carry on for generations.
She will be deeply missed by her five daughters and their husbands, who she claimed as her very own. Jennifer and Todd Boston of Warren, Emily and Jim Cunningham of Clarion, Abigail and Buddy Flerl of Wexford, Rachel and Mike Malak of Cranberry, and Gabrielle and Jeff Laswell of Franklin Park. She will be waiting at the mailbox for us.
She was a loving Nee Nee to her 17 grandchildren; Jacob (Nichole) and Mitchell Boston; Donny, Blaise, Mercedes, Violet, and Raven Cunningham; Daphne, John, and Luke Flerl; Addy, Nate, and Owen Malak; Audrey, Dominic, Viola, and Gabe Laswell. She was blessed with 3 great grandchildren; Cam, Max and MaLeah.
She is also survived by her sisters, Cathy Findorff of Las Vegas, NV, and Dorothy and Jim Schuler of Greenville, MI and sister and brother-in-law Sandy and Bill Burdick of Plainwell MI and numerous nieces and nephews.
She was predeceased by her parents, her brother Donald Puisis, and her granddaughter Violet Cunningham. And her very favorite corgi of all, Kinzua.
Through the final months of Barb’s life, so many very blessed hands of the care providers at the Lutheran Senior Life Passavant Community in Zelienople PA tended to her so lovingly. She was very blessed to have been surrounded by the many that knew how to love and care for both Barb and Skip; for that the family is eternally grateful. There are no words to describe the impact that all those loving hands have had on our family.
Friends may call at the Donald E. Lewis Funeral Home, Inc., 304 East Street, Warren, PA., on Sunday, February 13, 2022, from 5 to 7 P.M.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Monday February 14, 2022, at 11:00am at St. Joseph’s R.C. Church, 600 Pennsylvania Avenue West, Warren, PA., with Fr. Richard Tomasone, Pastor, officiating. It is no mistake that this mass will be celebrated on her favorite day of the year, Valentine’s Day. Interment will be in St. Joseph R.C. Cemetery, Warren, PA. Those wishing to submit e-mail condolences may do so by visiting www.lewisfuneralhomeinc.com. Those wishing to place memorials may do so through St. Joseph Church Educational Center Fund, 600 Pennsylvania Avenue West, Warren, PA. 16365, or St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, www.stjude.
org
My sincerest condolences and prayers of comfort to all of you with this enormous loss of beauty in your lives—and especially to Rachel, whose artistry adorns almost every room in my house-inspired, I know, by her mother’s giftedness in decorating and design. And to Addy, one of my cherished former voice students. “Her children arise up and call her blessed; her husband also, and he praises her: Many women do noble things, but you surpass them all.” Proverbs 31:28-29
My thoughts and prayers for family and friends. Prayers for comfort.
You girls did a great job describing and honoring your Mom and the lovely lady that she was. Butch is coming up for the services and to give our love and support especially to Skip. I won’t be there, but my heart will be with all you girls, your spouses, and your babies. You were blessed with an amazing Mom.
So sorry to hear this, so many memories of Barb and Skip. After my father passed when I was 7 years old they were both a pillar of strength and love during my childhood on Poplar Street, my thoughts and prayers are with all of you during this difficult time… thinking of all of you…
Jen and family
I’m so sorry for your loss our thoughts are with you during these hurtful times
Emily: Reading the obituary made me feel sorry I never met your mom. I thank the Lord he gave you such a special mom. My prayers are with you and your family. I leave you with the words of Paul in 2 Tim 4:7-8
” I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith. 8 Now there is in store for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will award to me on that day—and not only to me, but also to all who have longed for his appearing”.
We are truly sorry for your loss. Your mom was a wonderful person and mother and grandmother I know you will miss her terribly.
Skip, our heartfelt sympathy to you and your family as you grieve the loss of your beautiful wife, mom & NeeNee
Linda & Mike Hackett
We are so sorry for your loss STILL CAN’T BELIEVE WE BOTH LOSTED OUR MOM’S IN THE SAME WEAK Love you Jen
Was very sad to read this news this morning. I remember Barb as such a caring, gracious presence, always, whenever I would see or interact with her at St. Joe’s in Warren, or in the community. She had an amazing spirit. My deepest sympathies to Skip, Jennifer, and all the girls, and to your families. While we mourn her passing from this earthly realm, we know the angels are surely rejoicing as they welcome her into their number. You are all in my thoughts and prayers.
My dear brother Skip and family,&reading the obituary was a reminder of who Barb was. Always interested in family and how everyone was doing, full of stories about family things and a wonderful hospitable spirit. I weep as I read and remember funny stuff and serious.
She liked to check with me as I am 10 years older and see what was ahead. We will take up where we left off when we meet again in the presence of Jesus. She loved Him and His Father and He has prepared a place for her.
I am sending hugs to all of you and lots of love. Aunt Sandy and Uncle Bill
So sorry for your loss Jenny, Todd and family! My sincere condolences!
Hard to believe she won’t be in the world anymore. She had such a dynamic presence. Her take on life stories was unmatched and so much fun to hear. Skip would say she could make a short story long… and she could, but they were so entertaining and a joy to listen too. When we had the rare chance to get together over the years, we would stay up yacking till 4:00 a.m. ! That was before wine too, so we were totally sober ! 😉 just high on friendship ! Loved her.
In the few times we meet, I felt like Barb was my kindred spirit, sharing our stories of restoration and rehabbing homes! She made me feel comfortable instantly as if we’d been friends for years.
After reading more about her, Abbie, it’s so apropos to say, “You’re just like your mom!” ♥️ Truly – you are her reflection, both literally and figuratively.
I know God had a room prepared for her and she is now at home, free from all anguish and ailments. And of course, she is ready to start demo’ing it to make it just right for the day she’s reunited with your Dad ☺️
May God continue to bless all of you and keep you growing in your faith and showering you with His love. May His mercy help ease your sadness and help you in your perseverance.
Love to your family from mine,
~nan
Dearest Rachael, sisters, father and families. Our most sincere condolences at this time of your grief. She will be missed by all of the lives she touched.
Skip, Girls and Family, I first met Barb when she came to the Post Office in Cooksburg, and I thought WOW, what a beautiful and stunning woman. As I got to know her better, I realized she was great inside and out. We talked about the Cooks and I couldn’t believe another Cook moved here and wasn’t even related to the other Cooks. I loved chatting with her and hearing about your Girls. She always looked as neat as a pin, and in Church, she was extremely awesome. Heaven has definitely gained a very special Angel. I only wished I had known her better, I saw you and her at IC Church in Clarion after I retired from that Post Office, and you both took time to stop and visit. You will all miss her, that I know, but we all have special memories of Barb.
Skip and family, Jane and I send our deepest condolences for your loss. Almost 50 years ago I moved to Warren as a complete stranger. You and Barb quickly became two of the closest friends ever with your kindness and hospitality. I have the best memories of sitting at your kitchen table sharing food and stimulating conversation. Why Barb didn’t get tired of me hanging around is a testimony to the type of person she was. Although it’s been a long time, please realize that your and Barb’s friendship was never and will not be forgotten.
Skip and all the girls and family, our sincere condolences for your loss. Somehow it doesn’t seem possible that “Bab’s” is gone. We could always share a good laugh and was my saviour when we first moved to Warren and our family was going through some difficult times.
Skip, please come visit, we will always have an open door for you. Thank you for thinking of us at this time. Our hearts will be heavy for quit awhile…
Lovingly, Gene and RoseAnne
WHEN I SAW THIS MY MEMORIES WENT BACK TO 1960 WHEN WE WORKED AS NURSES AIDES AND SKIP WAS AN ORDERLY AT MERCY HOSPITAL IN MUSKEGON…GOOD MEMORIES