Colleen R. Cook

of Elmira, NY, passed away unexpectedly on January 24, 2026. Her passing left the world feeling louder, messier, and far less organized without her steering the ship. Colleen was a fiercely devoted mother and the unshakable backbone of her six children: Christopher Uncapher, Jonathan Cook (Marion Horton), Heather Cook, Kristin Cook (Craig David III), Ashley Cook, and Daniel Dinehart. She is also survived by her only grandchild, Owen Cook, and her sister, Kathleen McQuillen. She was preceded in death by her father, Guy Thompson, whom she loved deeply. Known for her tenacity, resilience, and razor-sharp wit, Colleen never sat still, unless she was hiding from a project she knew she couldn’t resist. A true queen of DIY, she tackled everything from carpentry to crafting, mechanical fixes, and projects so ambitious most people wouldn’t touch them with a ten-foot pole. If something was broken, she fixed it. If it didn’t exist, she built it, often while her children begged her to please, for the love of sanity, leave that next project alone. Many creations were left unfinished, but anyone who knew her knew they would have become masterpieces. Colleen made it her mission to teach her children that they could do anything, and to do it with grit, humor, and a touch of stubborn flair. Despite battling serious health challenges most of her life, she refused to let pain define or limit her, and she passed that same fiery drive on to her children. She “adopted” many along the way as well, opening her heart to children who weren’t hers by birth but were hers in every other way. If you needed guidance, a firm push forward, a home-cooked meal, or simply someone in your corner who wouldn’t quit on you, Colleen was there. She will be deeply missed, endlessly loved, and forever remembered for her strength, humor, stubborn determination, and the way she inspired everyone around her to be unapologetically capable. At the request of her children, no formal funeral services will be held. In lieu of flowers, the family welcomes donations to help support Colleen’s youngest son, Daniel, a senior in high school with plans to attend college. Those wishing to contribute may contact Jonathan, Heather, or Kristin for more information