Mary Helen Cook

Mary Helen (Maus) Cook of Silver Spring, MD entered into the arms of her Lord and Savior Jesus Christ on Saturday, October 22, 2022, at the age of 93.  After several months of intermittent hospitalization, Mary succumbed to congestive heart failure.

A Celebration of Life will be held on Monday, November 7, 2022 at 11:30am at Saint Patrick’s Catholic Church, Rockville, MD. Msgr. Charles J. Parry will officiate the Mass, with Interment at Arlington National Cemetery at a later date.  Friends and family are welcome to join in prayer/rosary one hour prior (10:30-11:15am) to the service at the church.  At about 11:10-15am, eulogies can be given.  Arrangements have been entrusted to Cole Funeral Home, Rockville, MD.  A gathering will take place after the service for light fare at a location nearby - details to come. There are several hotels within a few miles away for those coming from out of town. 

Mary Helen (Maus) Cook was born to Mary (Bates) and Andrew Maus, Sr. on December 21, 1928 in Stearns County; she was the fourth of eight children. She graduated from Kimball High School then earned her RN nursing degree in 1950 from St. Catherine’s University.  Mary and her older sister, Rosalia moved to the DC area where Mary began her nursing career at Walter Reed Hospital. It was there Mary met her husband, Arthur.  They were united in marriage in 1954 and together they raised their three adopted children: William Arthur; Jane Marie; and James Joseph.  After Mary lost her hearing around 1967, she studied to become a bookkeeper and began working with Arthur at his business, Howco Distributors, in Laurel, MD. Mary also became a competitive target shooter much to the delight of her husband!  Arthur coached a deaf shooting team that Mary became a part of and the team went to the deaf Olympics in 1988 with Art as their coach. Mary was very devoted & loving of her grandchildren whom she cared for immensely.  She was also devoted to her church and after her kids were grown and gone, she volunteered within her church community, making food for the SOME organization, and numerous church related events.  She was a Eucharistic minister, and took Communion to those wanting the sacrament of Communion in nursing homes. Mary and Art attended several Jubilee Masses at the National Shrine to celebrate their many years of marriage. In the most recent years, Mary found wondrous joy in becoming a part of the Legion of Mary organization and met many friends there.  Mary's faith was unwavering.

Left to cherish her memory is her eldest son, Bill Cook (Gail - deceased), and her daughter, Jane Spence (Chuck); grandchildren, Corinne and Charlie Spence; brother, Tom (Mary) Maus, and sister, Aurinee (Joe) Schlanser and numerous nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her loving husband, Arthur E. Cook (married 66 years) Son James Joseph; parents; siblings; Andy Maus, Fay Sullivan, Andriette Palm, Celia Nieman and Rosalia Murray.

Bill and Jane would like to extend their heartfelt gratitude to all of the doctors, nurses and healthcare professionals that assisted in Mary’s care this past year. We are also very grateful for her many friends that were there for her, whether it be praying for her; taking her to church; bringing her communion; or sitting and having a meal with her… Thank you.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Catholic Charities Archdiocese of Washington, 924 G St, Washington DC 20001; or to Covenant House of Washington, 2001 Mississippi Ave SE, Washington DC 20020; or to a charity of your choosing in her memory.