Hazel I. Cook

Age 90, a lifelong resident of Elmira, died on Thursday, December 12, 2002 at Ocean View Nursing and Rehabilitation Center in New Smyrna Beach, FL. She was a homemaker and retired clerk in the county offices of Chemung County, and was a member of Lake Street Presbyterian Church in Elmira. Hazel is survived by her loving son and daughter-in-law; Bill and Wynne Cook of New Smyrna Beach, two grandchildren; Scott Cook of Chicago, IL and Brett Cook of Redlands, CA, sister; Fay Shepard Kettell, sister-in-law; Audrey Shepard, both of Elmira, and many nieces and nephews, including Marlene Swimelar Ascherl of New Smyrna Beach, Diane Kettell Davis of Painted Post, Claudette Kettell Estrada of Puerto Rico, Mark Swimelar of Syracuse, Greg Swimelar of Austin, TX, Don Shepard, Jr. of Penn Yan, Jeanne Woodward and Kenneth Woodward, both of Hartford, CT, and Harry Shepard, Jr. of Spring Hill, FL, many grandnieces and grandnephews. She was preceded in death by her husband of 40 years, Clay C. Cook, and brothers; Harry Shepard, Roland Shepard and Donald Shepard, and sisters; Thelma Shepard Woodward and Helen Shepard Swimelar. Hazel enjoyed knitting, crocheting, Wheel of Fortune, I Love Lucy re-runs and soaking her feet in the ocean surf. She was a surprising and inspiring little bundle, having learned how to drive an automobile at 45 years of age after never having been behind the wheel of a car before. She survived open-heart surgery, colon surgery, hip replacement surgery and back surgery. Hazel was the original bionic woman with a big smile. Family and friends are invited to call at Olthof Funeral Home, Inc., 1050 Pennsylvania Ave., Elmira on Friday, December 20, 2002 from 2:00 to 4:00 PM with Funeral and Committal Services immediately following (4:00 PM). The Reverend David Ashby will officiate. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Lake Street Presbyterian Church, 300 East Lake Street, Elmira, NY 14901. Those wishing may leave a ?Candle of Remembrance? for the family at www.olthof.com