Ellen Cook, a devoted wife, faithful servant of her community and generous soul, passed away peacefully on Tuesday, December 23, 2025.

Ellen was the beloved wife of Edmond Cook, with whom she shared 61 years of marriage filled with love, adventure, and shared passions. Together, they built a life rooted in faith, family, and service to others.

She was born in Rutherford, NJ, the daughter of the late Anna (O'Brien) and Romeo Gilardoni. Ellen studied Merchandising at Tobe Coburn School in New York City and she worked in a number of stores as well as the New Jersey Bell Telephone Co. Ellen and Edmund were married in 1959 and bought a home in Parsippany, NJ.

In 1970, Bell Labs transferred Edmund to their lab in Massachusetts and they bought a home in Salem, NH. A year later, Ellen's parents joined them. Eventually, her parents went into Salemhaven Nursing and Rehabilitation Center and Ellen and Edmund became volunteers in various areas including activities, dining room and others alike. For nearly 30 years, Ellen's greatest joy was her dedicated ministry at Salemhaven. As a Eucharistic Minister, she brought comfort and the sacrament to residents, and she proudly coordinated the Wednesday Catholic services for 30 years, a role that brought her immense fulfillment. Ellen cherished the residents deeply and considered them her second family. Alongside Edmond, she volunteered tirelessly, earning recognition as Volunteers of the Year at Salemhaven and they received a special certificate for their outstanding volunteer work from the Governor of NH.

Ellen was also a talented and creative spirit. She delighted in a variety of crafts, including refinishing furniture, but her favorite hobby was creating whimsical cartoon cards for family and friends to mark holidays and special occasions. For over 50 years, Ellen and Edmond enjoyed scouring flea markets and yard sales, treasures from which adorned their home and filled their barn with cherished finds.

Known for her boundless generosity, Ellen was always ready to lend a helping hand or offer support to those in need. Over the years, she quietly gave of her time, her talents and her treasure, embodying a spirit of quiet kindness and compassion.

Ellen was predeceased by her devoted husband, Edmond Cook She is survived by a host of family and friends who will forever treasure her warmth, faith and loving presence. She is survived by her cousins, Eric Williams and his family, Wendy Williams, Amanda Harlon, Dianne Yarnell, Denise MacGrath, Kathy DeMarco and Ryan DeMarco

Ellen was blessed to have many special people in her life. Lina Dubois and Kathy Hill were like Ellen's daughters. For the last five years, her dear friends Jacqueline and James Buck tenderly cared for Ellen with unwavering compassion and love. Her family and good friends also included, Virginia Cook, Robert and Gisele Cook, Lillian Abbott, Lee Alphen, Michael Clare, Gary and Zeny Erbe, Mary Lou Hajjar, Michael Marchand, Thomas and Madeline Matachun, John Novak, Louise Sargent, Randy Stone, Marcus and Sheila Falco, Carly Foley, Michael and Judi Foley, Robert and Judy Hillard and Erick and Claudia Leedham.

There are no calling hours. The Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Sat. Jan. 3rd at 10:30 am at Mary Queen of Peace Church, 200 Lawrence Rd. Salem, NH. Please arrive by 10:15 am. Private family burial will take place in NJ.

In lieu of flowers, donations in memory of Ellen's lifelong service may be made to Saints Mary and Joseph Parish, 200 Lawrence Rd. Salem, NH 03079, Greater Salem Caregivers, PO Box 2316, Salem, NH 03070 or to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105.

To send a message of condolence to the family, please view the obituary at www.douglasandjohnson.com