Marcia E. Cook

Marcia Ellen Cook, age 74, of Cascade, Michigan, joined her parents (John and Florence VandenBerg) and husband (Thomas Cook) in heaven peacefully Wednesday afternoon, October 23, 2019.  She was a 1963 graduate of Grand Rapids Christian high, received her BA from Calvin College in Grand Rapids, Michigan in 1967 and her Master’s in Education from Western University in 1969.  That same year she married her high-school boyfriend, Tom Cook. After Tom completed his service in the Air Force, she moved back with him to Cascade, Michigan where she taught Phys Ed for a few years before starting a family and raising two children. While she remained focused on her two children Marcia would help in the family business wherever needed.  Marcia had a zest for life, was very spontaneous and loved challenges, even earning her private pilot’s license shortly after graduate school. She would always push others to be their best.  She was a very active and engaged mother, whether it was helping at Ada Christian School, driving her children to events, or making sure there was always food at home at all hours of the day. She was also very resourceful; finding unique activities to entertain and teach her children (whether they wanted to or not!) as well as ensuring they knew how to work and the value of a dollar. Marcia also started and ran her own successful small business, Ageless Beauty, for many years. Before her health declined, she was happy to engage with her grandchildren in any activity, be it water balloon fights, playing with dolls or finding unique presents.  Her laughter could fill any room and her smile warmed many hearts. 

Marcia is survived by her son Ryan (Jessica) Cook, daughter Kristen (Mike) Herweyer, four grandchildren, Alex Cook, Olivia Cook, Abigail Herweyer, Grace Herweyer, her brother Jim (Mimi) VandenBerg, her sister Faith (Darrell) Degraw and numerous relatives and friends. 

Funeral services will be held at 12:00 PM, Tuesday, October 29, at Cascade Fellowship Christian Reformed Church, Reverend James Karsten officiating, 6655 Cascade Rd SE, Grand Rapids, MI 49546 with lunch following.  The family will receive friends from 4:00 PM to 6:00 PM, Monday, October 28 at the Metcalf & Jonkhoff funeral home, 4291 Cascade Rd SE, Grand Rapids, MI 49546.

Memorial contributions may be made to Ada Christian School. 

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