Obituary of Irene Cook

Irene Haydu Cook, age 99, of Easton, widow of her " Dear Heart " Ernest Cook, passed away peacefully on Saturday, December 14, 2019 with her loving family by her side. She was born in Vintondale, Pennsylvania, the daughter of the late Ben and Sophie Szabo Haydu. She grew up in the bright lights of New York City, attending Straubenmuller High School, N.Y. Business School and Hunter College. Under the guidance of her drama teacher, Orson Wells, she performed in plays with actors such as: James Cagney and Jimmy Stewart off Broadway. Irene pursued a career as an executive secretary, working for the president of the School and College Advisory Center. Upon moving to Bridgeport, CT, she worked as executive secretary for the vice president of General Electric. During World War II, she was the executive secretary to the vice president and field manager of Chance Vought Aircraft. After the war, she returned to General Electric as executive secretary to the vice president of design and development. Irene later worked at Sacred Heart University as executive secretary to the director of continuing education and master's programs. She was a dedicated loving wife, mother and grandmother, enjoying poetry, theater, the visual arts and literature. She and her beloved husband Ernie shared treasure hunting adventures in New York, dancing, listening to music, especially Nat King Cole, while holding hands. They loved raising their family at their home, "kis erdo" (little woods) in Easton. They started every day with a song. She became a Girl Scout Leader. She delighted in the color purple, intricate lace patterns, Chinese dragons and Hungarian folk songs. Like Scheherazade, she spun magical stories for her children, tales of creating 'Shangri-la' in your own backyard. Her devotion to her faith carried her through life and with grace she walked in beauty, compassionately embracing the good in people, the sweetness of life and the kindness of all hearts. She was a peacemaker. We will forever cherish her boundless love, her positive attitude, her sense of wonder,and her inspiring words of encouragement to move forward and pursue your dreams. We will hold the memory her beautiful smile, melodic voice, and shining green eyes close to our hearts forever. "Sleep in heavenly peace." She is survived by her children, Christine Cook, Kathy Turner, and her husband, David, and Carol McGuigan, and her husband, Brian; her grandchildren, Kristyn Meyer, Grant Turner, Carolyn Grace, Collin Turner and Ian McGuigan. Funeral services will be held on Saturday at 10:00 am in the Lesko & Polke Funeral Home, 1209 Post Road, in Fairfield Center with burial to follow in Lawncroft Cemetery, Fairfield. Friends may call at the funeral home on Saturday from 9 am until the time of services. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Easton Senior Center, 650 Morehouse Road Easton, CT 06612. To sign an online register, purchase flowers or to get travel directions, please visit www.LeskoPolkeFuneralHome.com