Dolores E. Cooke
July 5, 1926 - June 17, 2008
Obituary
Dolores E. Cooke, 81, of Renton, Washington, passed away peacefully Tuesday, June 17, 2008 in Seattle.
She was born July 5, 1926, in Webster, Wisconsin, to Maurice Lawson and Elsie Dunn. She spent her childhood in Wisconsin until her family moved to Oregon in 1932. She graduated from Amity High School in 1944. She married Anthony D. LaBarbara in 1946 and lived in Nevada for many years. They had four children, David Anthony, Kevin Thomas, Kristina Anne and Jon Nels.
In 1969 she married John L. Cooke. Together they spent 26 years in Colorado, Nevada and Seattle, where they were both active in the Baha’i Faith. John passed away in 1996 and she continued to manage the Charburn Apartments until her retirement in 2000.
Dolores is survived by her sons, David A. LaBarbara of Minden, Nevada, Kevin T. LaBarbara of Eagle Point, Oregon and daughter Kristina A. Bryant of Renton, Washington. Dolores is also survived by two brothers, Raymond Lawson of Amity, Oregon and Robert Lawson of McMinnville, Oregon and four sisters, Marilyn Leppin of McMinnville, Oregon, Barbara Gunnell of Coos Bay, Oregon, Linda Donahoo of McMinnville, Oregon and Sandra Lawson of Oregon City, Oregon. She is also survived by six grandchildren, Prianka Varney of San Francisco, California, Michelle L. Bryant of Federal Way, Washington, Jenny L. Orr of Issaquah, Washington, Kevan A. Bryant of Everett, Washington, Sarah L. LaBarbara of Laguna Beach, California, Justin T. LaBarbara of Medford, Oregon and eight great- grandchildren, Mason, Savannah, Sean, Zachary, Sophie, Nicholas, Gianna, Seanna and many nieces and nephews.
Dolores was preceded in death by her son, Jon Nels in 1987, first husband, Anthony LaBarbara in 1994 and John Cooke in 1996.
Memorial Services to be held Thursday, June 26, 2008, at 2:00 pm at Merrill Gardens, 104 Burnett Avenue South, Renton, WA. 98057
Delores was a bright light in the Bahai community. From my last visit with her I know she was awaiting her journey to the next world in joyful anticipation. She is in a better place and I’m sure she is looking out for those she has temporarily left behind.
Nancy Coleman
My condolences to the family of Dolores E. Cooke whom I only knew for a short period of time. However, she was a very gracious person and I enjoyed her company at Baha’i Feasts and other Baha’i activities. She will be missed and I will pray for her and her family.
Dearest family and friends of Dolores,
It is with deepest sympathy and sincere condolences that I send to you my prayers and best wishes for the progress of the soul of dear Dolores.
Please be assured of my prayers in the Baha’i Shrines in Haifa, Israel for her and her beloved family.
Dolores will be missed and but remembered very fondly. We lived in the same Seattle Bahai neigborhood and we were guests in each others homes many times over the years. We greive and share your great loss. john and sammy gubatayao and mary m. cate
Honored to be able to contribute a small service to Delores’ wonderful family at Memorial event in renton today. Moved by witnessing her noble and tender- hearted qualities strongly reflected in her surviving loved ones!
To the family of Delores;
I am sorry for your loss. i really enjoyed Delores. She was very nice t everyone. I enjoyed going to her home for Bahai Feasts and other events.
You could tell from her home that she loved you by the things she kept around. warmest regards,
Littlebrave Beaston
I helped facilitate a Ruhi book 3 at Dolores´ apartment a couple years ago. We chatted before each session for about an hour or so. I remember her as an incredible servant of the Bahaà Faith as she still insisted upon being active even though it was more difficult. I truly enjoyed getting to know her and hearing about her life and family, whom it was clear she treasured very much.
An angel reminds me
That although you aren’t here
You’re being embraced by angels
So there is not a thing to fear
And someday I shall see you again
With a smile upon your face
Because this is what God has promised
Once I leave this earthly place
I love you grandma
Grandma, I miss you so much! You were the BEST grandma ever to me. Thank you for all the love & guidance you gave me I’m my life. I love you.❤️