Hildegarde Irene Cook

H. Irene Cook, 94, formerly of River View Park, passed away the evening of Sunday, July 30, 2023, in the care of Rittenhouse Village at Muhlenberg. She was the widow of William "Cookie" E. Cook, Jr., who passed away on July 26, 2020, after 69 years of marriage.

Born in Reading to the late Karl and Josephine (Kasprowicz) Gartner, Irene graduated from Wyomissing High School in 1946. As a young woman, she worked for a time as a secretary for Automotive Services, where she met the love of her life, William. Later in life Irene worked for her daughter as a sales associate at Casual Concepts.

The "Original Gartner" of Atonement Lutheran Church, Irene led her entire family to join Atonement.

Irene was a dedicated and loving wife and mother. A talented seamstress, she made her own outfits, and drapes and slipcovers for her home. She loved music and deeply appreciated listening to music. A member of the Flying Dutchman Ski Club, she enjoyed skiing and playing tennis. She enjoyed watching sports. Irene loved animals. She was an active woman, and late into her life enjoyed going on walks, often surprising her caregivers for the length and duration of those walks.

Left to treasure Irene's memory are her children, James E. Cook of Muhlenberg and Cynthia L. (Michael) Lorish of Muhlenberg; granddaughter, Natalie K. Cook; and grand-dog, Bailey Lorish. Irene is also survived by her siblings, Hans (Patti) Gartner of Lebanon; Shirley (Edward) McCardle of Goodyear, AZ; Martha (widow of Fred) Hafer of Wyomissing; Karen Crocona of Shillington; and Nancy (widow of Tom) Taylor of Wyomissing; and many nieces, nephews, and their families.

In addition to her parents and her beloved husband, Bill, Irene was predeceased by her infant son Robert; her son, William "Billy" K. Cook; her brother, Willie Gartner; and her sister, Rosemarie Young, who is survived by her husband, Howard, of Alsace Twp.

In Irene's memory, contributions may be made to Atonement Lutheran Church, 5 Wyomissing Blvd, Wyomissing PA 19610.

Services for Irene will be held on Wednesday, August 9, 2023, at 11:00 a.m. at the Kuhn Funeral Home & Crematory, Inc., 5153 Kutztown Rd, Temple PA 19560, with burial to follow at Laureldale Cemetery. Visitation will be from 10:00 a.m. until the start of services at the funeral home. Condolences may be expressed at kuhnfuneralhomes.com.