Marilyn Gertrude Cook, 87, passed away peacefully in her sleep on August 14, 2026, after spending the evening having dinner with her family.

Marilyn was born January 12, 1939, in Macedonia, Ohio, the daughter of Theodore and Florence C. (Kalter) Haas. Her mother died when Marilyn was still a young girl, an experience that helped shape the independence, determination, and devotion to family that remained throughout her life.

She attended the College of St. Mary of the Springs, now Ohio Dominican University. There she met her future husband and on December 30, 1961, Marilyn married Frank Cook at St. Leo’s Catholic Church in Ohio. Their marriage would span more than 61 years, until Frank’s death in 2023. During this time, Marilyn and Frank lived in Columbus, Ohio, while Frank continued his studies at The Ohio State University. Their first son, Mark, was born during their time in Columbus. They later welcomed sons Brian and Jonathan and raised them in Oriskany, NY.

Marilyn devoted herself to raising her family while also pursuing a remarkable professional path of her own. In her 40s, while working and raising her children, she returned to school and earned her accounting degree from Utica College, graduating summa cum laude. She went on to become a Certified Public Accountant and eventually became a partner at Wallis, Loiacono, and Cook in Rome, New York. Her career reflected the intelligence and work ethic that characterized her life.

Marilyn was also deeply involved in the communities in which she lived. She was an active member of St. Stephen’s Ladies Auxiliary, served as the parish accountant, and was a member of the Volunteer Fire Department Ladies Auxiliary. After moving to De Pere, WI she became a member of the Chamber of Commerce and parish council for Our Lady of Lourdes.

Family was at the center of Marilyn’s life; her children lovingly referred to her as “The Big M.” She was especially known for the enormous care packages she prepared for her children and grandchildren around the holidays, filling them with homemade foods and treats. Her chocolate zucchini bread became a particular family favorite and one of the many traditions through which she showed her love.

Marilyn is survived by her three sons, Dr. Mark (Cathee), Dr. Brian (Lisa), and Dr. Jonathan (Kimberly); her grandchildren, Ashley, Corrine, Naomi (Sasha), Allison, Alaina, Carter, Joshua, Andrew, Colin, and Joshua; and her siblings Florence, Joan, Theodore, Paul, Frances, Margery, Therese, and Bernadette.

She was predeceased by her husband, Frank, and her brother, Jerome Haas.

Marilyn will be remembered for her strength, determination, generosity, and commitment to her family. From building a professional career at a time in life when many would have hesitated to begin again, to preparing holiday packages filled with food made by hand, she expressed her love through both perseverance and service. We remember not only what she accomplished, but the countless ways she cared for the people around her.

Family and friends may call to Our Lady of Lourdes Catholic Church, 1305 Lourdes Ave, De Pere, WI, on Friday, October 9, 2026, beginning at 9:30 a.m. and continuing until the Mass of Christian Burial at 10:30 a.m., with Fr. James Baraniak O.Praem. officiating.

Marilyn’s consideration for others extended to the numerous charities and causes which touched her heart. Her family would greatly appreciate a donation in her name to any of the following organizations: Vincentian Pathways Project, Mercy Corps, Mercy Ships, Feeding America, Feed the Children, Food for the Poor, International Fellowship of Christians and Jews, American Institute for Cancer Research, Wounded Warrior Project, Operation Smile, Susan G. Koman, Parkinson's Foundation, ALS Association, Paul's Pantry, Ecumenical Partnership for Housing, Heart of the Nation Catholic Mass, American Kidney Fund, Tunnel to Towers Foundation, American Parkinson's Disease Association, Dioceses of Green Bay, Catholic Relief Services, Foundation for Religious Retirement, The Salvation Army, Wisconsin Humane Society, Our Lady of Lourdes Parish, Marine Toys for Tots, Leukemia and Lymphoma Society, Disabled American Veterans, National Shrine of St. Jude, American Heart Association, Feed the Hungry, and the National Breast Cancer Research Center.