Cook

Helen R. Cook, 75, of Mars, died peacefully Saturday surrounded by her family.

Born on April 1, 1933, in Crete, N.D., she was the daughter of the late Frank and Anna LaFever.

Helen was the beloved wife of William H. Cook, whom she married June 23, 1951. She was the mother of Wanda Boyle and her husband, Thom, of Hollidaysburg, Daniel Cook, and his wife, Amporn, of Dhahran, Saudi Arabia, Ruth Geller, and her husband, Gary, of Mars, Martin Cook, and his wife, Nancy, of Sicklersville, N.J.; the sister of Verna Winkler of Mars; the sister-in-law of Margaret Cook of Mars; and a special friend of Sue Cook of Mars.

Helen (Nana) is survived by nine grandchildren of whom she was very proud, Michael Boyle, Catherine Stoner and her husband, Tony, Amy Cook, Kelly Pater, and her husband, Eric, Jeffrey Murphy, and his wife, Sandy, Ryan Murphy, and his wife, Mindy, Matthew Cook, and his wife, Sarah, Nathan Cook, and Emily Cook. She also cherished her eight great-grandchildren, Madalyn Michaels, Helayna Pater, Louis Pater, Dane Murphy, Seth Murphy, Cameron Murphy, Lillian Murphy, and Anthony Stoner.

She was preceded in death by 10 older siblings. She also had many nieces and nephews.

The Mars United Presbyterian Church was Helen's home away from home for the past 50 years. She was especially known for her meal organizing and food preparing in the church (Helen's) kitchen. In the church, she served as deacon for many years and volunteered as youth group leader with her husband, and also worked as the church custodian for 18 years.

Helen was known for her quick wit, her courage, her kindness, her unconditional love, her faith, and her commitment to her family. She will be remembered as a constant source of strength and inspiration to all, showing how to enjoy life every day, no matter what obstacles you may have.

<B>COOK</B>— Friends of Helen R. Cook, who died Saturday, March 28, 2009, will be received from 2 to 9 p.m. today and 2 to 4 and 7 to 9 p.m. Tuesday at the <B>McDonald-Aeberli Funeral Home</B>, 238 Crowe Ave., Mars.Services will be at 10:30 a.m. Wednesday in the Mars United Presbyterian Church, 232 Crowe Ave., Mars, with the Rev. Nathan Esser officiating.Please meet at the church. A funeral luncheon will be held immediately following the service. Following the luncheon, a graveside service will be at the Hampton Cemetery, Hampton Township.Directions and condolences are available at www.mcdonald-aeberli.com.