Southwick—Shirleyann (Rutka) Cook, 81,passed on to be with her Heavenly Father, on April 25, 2018. A proud life-long resident of Southwick, Shirleyann is the daughter of the late Edward Rutka and Nellie (Lambson) Rutka. In her early employment history, Shirleyann was a secretary at Old Colony Envelope Company; where she met the love of her life and husband of 53 years, LeRoy Cook. LeRoy passed away in March 2016. They were founding members of Christ Lutheran Church in Southwick, where Shirleyann worked part time as church secretary while she raised her children; until she retired to provide childcare for her beloved grandchildren. Shirley was passionate about her town and her family, helping to care for everyone and always putting others first. She also loved singing in the church choir and was a member of both the Women’s Club and the Southwick Historical Society. In her leisure time, Shirleyann enjoyed boating on Congamond Lake and vacationing in both Goose Rocks Beach, ME and Newport, RI. Shirleyann is survived by her son, LeRoy B. Cook II and his lifelong partner, Annie Brown; her daughter, Michelle Pratt and her husband, Christopher; her grandchildren, James Pratt and Chelsea Pratt; her great-grandson, Ryan Pratt; and her sister-in-law and brother-in-law, Marlene and Donald Snyder; as well as her niece and nephews. A memorial service will be held at 10:00AM on Saturday May 5, 2018 in Christ Lutheran Church, 568 College Highway, Southwick. Burial will follow in New Cemetery, Southwick. There are no calling hours. Southwick Forastiere Family Funeral Home, 624 College Highway, Southwick has been entrusted with final arrangements. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Christ Lutheran Church, 568 College Hwy, Southwick, MA 01077. Please visit www.forastiere.com to offer a personal expression of condolence.
