Elizabeth M. Cook

Elizabeth M. “Betty” Cook, 91, of Lansing, NY, passed away peacefully at home while surrounded by her family on August 15, 2024. 

Born November 2, 1932, in Ithaca, NY, she was the daughter of the late William Makarainen and Ida Smith. Betty had two brothers who passed in early childhood. She was a graduate of Ithaca High School. On October 24, 1952, she married Gordon Cook in Ithaca. Betty worked as a secretary in the guidance office at Lansing High School for over 25 years and often mentored kids who found themselves in detention or needing help deciding on future plans. She also worked on the family farm doing bookkeeping and payroll for 65 years. Although Betty had multiple vocations, her primary role was parenting four children, and she was never happier than when everyone was home for the holidays. She attended as many of her children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren’s events as possible. Betty was an avid traveler and often volunteered at the Lansing Food Pantry, Tompkins County Board of Elections, and with Hospicare. For many years, she also taught water aerobics. She rang bells for the Salvation Army Christmas campaign and made prayer shawls and knitted hats for newborns at the Cayuga Medical Center. She put others first. She was a long-time member of Lansing United Methodist Church.

Betty is survived by her children, Bill Cook (Penney) of Aurora, NY, Lisa Bauman (Jeff Tietz) of Spring Grove, IL, Jeff Cook (Dori) of Lansing, NY, and Dave Cook (Lori) of Richmond, IL; grandchildren, Andrew Cook (Eileen Coughlin) of Rochester, NY, Erin Cook (Kurt Fisk) of Bend, OR, Danielle Gerritsen (Adam) of Lansing, NY, Landon Cook of Lansing, NY, Ryan Cook (Irene Hsu) of Arlington, VA, Graham Cook of Walworth, WI, Luke Cook of Aurora, NY, and Emily Heinberg (Jacob) of Spring Grove, IL; and great grandchildren, Livy and Clara Gerritsen of Lansing, NY.

Family and friends are invited to a period of visitation from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m. on Thursday, August 22, 2024 at Lansing Funeral Home, 32 Auburn Road, Lansing. A funeral service, officiated by Pastor Alison Schmied, will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Friday, August 23, 2024 at Lansing United Methodist Church, 32 Brickyard Road, Lansing, with a catered reception to follow. Those wishing to join the family for committal prayers led by Pastor Barbara Blom at Lansingville Cemetery immediately following the reception are welcome to do so.

Flowers in memory of Betty may be sent to Lansing Funeral Home. For those who prefer to honor Betty in another way, please consider volunteering your talents and time to a local organization or offer a memorial contribution to Lansing United Methodist Church or Hospicare.