With heavy hearts, the family of Wilhelmina (Ina) Adriana Neeltje (Van Arkel) Cook announces her passing at Temiskaming Hospital on February 24, 2020.
Beloved wife of the late Larry Cook and cherished mother of eight children: Donna (John Knight), David, George (Mary), Barry (Shirley), Brian (Barb), Barb (Brian), Roy (Monika), and Robert Cobean (Carole). Loving grandmother of 21 grandchildren and 12 great-grandchildren with one more on the way.
Ina was predeceased by her husband Larry, her parents, sister Neeltje, and her parents-in-law.
She is survived by her brothers Evert (late Linda) Van Arkel and Reine (Joyce) Van Arkel, sister-in-law Edith (late James) Harper and brother-in-law Gerald (Alice) Cook.
Ina was born July 26, 1943, in Alphen ann den Rijn, South Holland; daughter of Pieter and Arentje Van Arkel. In 1952, Ina along with her parents and brothers Evert and Reine and sister Neeltje boarded a ship, the SS Waterman, and left Holland, landing at Pier 21, Halifax, Canada. Ina recalled the very long journey they made as a family. The Van Arkel family settled in Southern Ontario, mainly St. Mary’s.
Ina pursued a nursing career, graduating in July 1961 and working at Wingham General Hospital. In 1978 Ina married Larry Cook (a second marriage for both) and moved north to Charlton, Ontario, with their combined family of eight children – which she took on with pride.
They ran a dairy and beef farm and she was a dedicated farmer’s wife, running errands and learning to drive a tractor. She also worked part-time jobs along the way at Barb’s Restaurant and Grant Forest Products. After her family was raised, she resumed nursing in Kirkland Lake, Englehart and New Liskeard.
Ina was a member of the Charlton Lioness Club. She loved knitting and crocheting and made an afghan for each of her grandchildren as they got married.
Larry and Ina spent many weekends on their float boat on Long Lake. They played many card games and marbles with family and friends and Ina was a “very competitive” player.
The Cook family would like to thank the staff at Northdale Manor for her wonderful care and Dr. Corbeil and the wonderful staff at Temiskaming Hospital.
In lieu of flowers, donations would be greatly appreciated for the palliative care suite at Temiskaming Hospital.
As per Ina’s wishes, cremation has taken place and the family will hold a private Celebration of Life.
