Diane Elizabeth Cook

Diane Elizabeth Cook January 16, 1937 – October 16, 2024

Diane Elizabeth Cook, born January 16, 1937 to Roger Cook and Ruth Lyman Cook. Diane was raised in West Hazelton, Pennsylvania and devotedly attended church services with her family.

Diane graduated from West Hazelton High School in 1954 and upon graduation moved to Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, seeking employment, which she found at the Episcopalian Newspaper. During this time, she found herself blessed with the first of five beloved children.

She initially lived in West Philadelphia, affectionately referred to as “down bottom”, moving to Southwest Philadelphia, and then her final home in the Logan Section of Philadelphia in 1976. In moving to Logan, she attended Episcopalian services held at Holy Trinity Bethlehem Presbyterian Church. However, she soon became a member of Holy Trinity Bethlehem Presbyterian. She was heavily involved with teaching Sunday School, serving on the Board of Deacons, and in the Women’s Auxiliary Group. After some 30-years as a member of Holy Trinity Bethlehem Presbyterian, she joined Oak Lane Presbyterian and continued her stewardship, continuing to serve on the Board of Deacons, still maintaining her membership to this day.  She always made herself available for our Lord’s work being a valiant steward of God.

Diane overcame many obstacles in life and her story is truly one of resilience and perseverance. At sixteen she sustained life altering injury in a car accident, leaving her partially paralyzed and raising bi-racial children as a single mom, in a time when it was not so accepting. However, this was her torch to shine bright as she made it her life to be accepting and always creating a sense of belonging for all she encountered for them to feel a part of “the family”.

Diane lived a life of volunteerism, not only within the church, but she volunteered in her children’s school and for many years volunteered for Contact Philadelphia, manning calls for the crisis hotline. Her legacy is definitely one of service, but for many her most memorable moments would have to be those that include ALL the children. Those many trips made with any and all the children that wanted to go to the city public pool, Free Library events held on Sundays, many many of trips downtown for whatever free public event that was happening. It was a come one come all! We would all hop onto public transportation and make our way.

Diane’s spirit of resilience, perseverance, kindness, and acceptance will be sorely missed by many. Whether it have just been a moment shared. So many called her MOM and Grandmom!

Diane is survived by her five children, John M. Cook (America). Daren E. Cook, Anita M. Cook, Lara A. Cook, and Gloria J. Ragin (Bruce); 10 grandchildren: Alecia W. Cook, Aleah S. Cook, Patricia T. (Reecie) Craig Davis, Atiima Chantharaths (Anthony), Elizabeth (Lizzy) Slavinsky, Rosa L. Jones, Dimming JD Jones, Mercedes E. Cook, Sterling C. Cook, Bruce R. (Butchie) Ragin III; 16 great grandchildren: Irron, Diamond, Jasmine, Christopher, Ryder, Brandon, Arayah, Carter, Sterling Jr., Lance, Hendrix, Nash, Mason, Amina, Quest, and Jett;  3 great great grandchildren: Kayden, Marlo, and Kacie.

Open House Celebration of Life for Diane Cook
Friday, October 25, 2024
Join us anytime between the hours 4:00 PM and 8:00 PM
At
Holy Trinity Bethlehem Presbyterian Church
1100 West Rockland Street
Philadelphia, PA 19141

Mingle for 5 minutes or 4 hours to share and/or hear stories with the 3 generations of family in celebration of Diane’s life and legacy.