RITA STELLA COOK

Rita Stella Cook, 95, passed away on Dec. 26, 2024, at Besser Senior Living Community where she resided for the past year. Rita was born April 10, 1929, to the late Leo and Gertrude (Stoinski) Tadajewski. She was a lifetime resident of Alpena and graduate of Catholic Central High School. Rita met Thomas H. Cook while working at Coca Cola bottling company in Alpena and they were married on Feb. 27, 1965. They enjoyed 57 years together. He preceded her in death on July 14, 2023.

During her life she held many roles including waitress, secretary, housekeeper/laundress, and homemaker. One of her greatest loves was polka dancing with her husband, during the summer they traveled throughout Michigan to attend the dances. If there wasn’t a dance to attend she would be listening to the polka hour on the radio. Her other hobbies included gardening, baking/cooking, knitting, crocheting, cake decorating, and puzzle making. She was a member of the St. Mary Rosary Society.

Rita is survived by her two daughters, Denise (Craig) Wekwert, Jacqueline (James) Piwowarski; grandchildren, Joseph (Michelle) Piwowarski, Tyler Wekwert, Megan (Travis) Kerton, Noah Wekwert; brother, Leon Tadajewski; sister, Easther Gerezewski; brother-in-law, Ronald Kaiser; and many nieces and nephews.

Rita was preceded in death by her infant daughter, Yvonne Marie; three sisters, Virginia Cayler, Blanche Kline, and Darlene Kaiser.

Visitation will take place Friday, Jan. 3, 2025, at St. Anne Church of All Saints Parish from 10 a.m. until the Mass of Christian Burial at noon with the Rev. Aloysius Okpala officiating. Arrangements have been handled by the Bannan Funeral Home.

Interment: Long Rapids Township Cemetery

In lieu of flowers, those planning an expression of sympathy may make a memorial to Hospice of Michigan.