Venetta Theresa (Carignan) Cook

Venetta Theresa (Carignan) Cook – No. Andover, MA
 

Venetta Theresa (Carignan) Cook, affectionately known as “Vinnie,” passed away surrounded by her loving family. She was the devoted wife of the late Edward J. Cook, with whom she shared over 60 years of marriage before his passing in 2011.

Born on November 10, 1930 to Philip and Alice (Laroche) Carignan, Venetta grew up in Lawrence, Massachusetts, and attended St. Anne’s School and Lawrence High School. She was the 4th youngest in her family of 11 children who have all predeceased her.

Venetta’s life was defined by caring for others. She was a loving and dedicated mother to her five children. Vinnie was happiest when caring for her grandchildren and great-grandchildren—whether keeping them overnight, taking them for stroller walks, playing games, or sitting on the floor to join in their fun.

Venetta’s love for children extended well beyond her family. For more than 25 years she worked as a nurse’s aide on the pediatric unit at Holy Family Hospital (formerly Bon Secours). There, she was not only a skilled caregiver, but also a surrogate mom to countless children, offering them comfort, compassion, and love during their hospitalization.

Vinnie was a familiar face at local senior centers, where she enjoyed playing cards, bingo, line dancing, and spending time with friends. She had a gift for making friends wherever she went, and she truly loved being with people.

She is survived by her children: Sharon Coram of Dracut, Donna Shaw of Newburyport, Timothy Cook and his wife Michelle of Andover, and Jeffrey Cook of Methuen, with whom she resided prior to her illness. She was the PROUD grandmother of Scott Coram, Stacey Coram, Jennifer Casey, Michael Cook, George Haseltine, Andrew Haseltine, Ryan Cook, and step- grandmother to Stephen Shaw and Karyn (Shaw) Masse and Kristin (Shaw)Eldridge. She was the CHERISHED great-grandmother of Nathan and Marielle Coram, Sophie, Max, and Shea Coram; Graeme and Lyla Haseltine; Andrew and Diego Haseltine; and Anya Cook. As well as numerous nieces and nephews.

In addition to her late husband, she was predeceased by her son Michael A. Cook; her sons-in-law Rick Coram and Stephen Shaw; and her ten siblings.

She is also survived by her dear friend Joyce Souto of Dracut, who was a dedicated and loyal companion and caregiver during Venetta’s final years.

The Cook family extends heartfelt thanks to the staff of the C Wing at Prescott House Nursing Home for the care and compassion they provided to Vinnie over the past year.

Memorial contributions may be made in Venetta’s name to Prescott House Residents Fund. 140 Prescott St. No. Andover, MA 01845Top of Form

Visitation is Saturday, August 16, 2025 from 9 – 9:45 AM at St. Francis Parish, 115 Wheeler Road, Dracut, MA 01826. A Funeral Mass will follow at 10 AM at the church. Burial will follow the Funeral Mass in Elmwood Cemetery in Methuen.

Dewhirst Boles Funeral Home, 80 Broadway, Methuen, MA 01844 is entrusted with the arrangements. Please visit www.dewhirstbolesfuneral.com to sign the online guest book.

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