Barbara Louise (Gordon) Cooke passed away peacefully on July 22 at the age of 91, surrounded by the love of her family.
Barbara was born in New York, NY to Louisa and James Gordon. She was the eldest of three children followed by her sister Ginger, and brother Bruce. The Gordon family lived in Ridgewood, NJ across the street from Graydon Pool, a beloved local park and summer gathering place frequented by the Gordon family. Barbara’s summers were spent at the family’s shore home in Point Pleasant, NJ, where many treasured memories were made.
While attending Ridgewood High School, Barbara met her soul mate, Edward Orrin “Ned” Cooke, a fellow student, in 1949. Barbara and Ned were the quintessential teenage couple and were crowned prom queen and king. Barbara promised her father she would graduate from college before getting married. Ned and Barbara married on Barbara’s 21st birthday, June 22, 1957, one day after her college graduation from Arcadia University (formerly Beaver College). This began a devoted and loving partnership that lasted 64 years.
Together, Barbara and Ned raised three children: Linda, Jim, and Paul. During the early years of their marriage, Ned’s career in sales took the family to several communities along the East Coast, including Wyckoff, NJ; the Philadelphia area; and Melrose, MA. They eventually returned to Wyckoff, where they lived for many years until they both retired.
While raising three children, Barbara earned her Master degree in early childhood education from Salem State University in Salem, MA. Barbara worked as the school librarian at Travell Elementary School in Ridgewood, NJ. Generations of children benefited from her dedication, warmth, and love of books. Barbara modeled her love of reading to her children and grandchildren. Her belief in learning was paramount, and she carefully set aside her earnings to help provide for her children’ s college education.
Barbara was also deeply committed to her community. She served as president of her local chapter of the League of Women Voters and believed strongly in civic engagement and public service. For many years she volunteered at Kurth Cottage, a volunteer-run luncheonette and gift shop benefiting the Valley Hospital auxiliary.
Wherever Barbara lived, she quickly formed lasting friendships. She had a gift for bringing people together and loved welcoming neighbors, friends, and family into her home. She was an accomplished hostess, and her gatherings were filled with warmth, creative parlor games, spirited conversation, and abundant laughter.
In 2006, Barbara and Ned moved to Ford’s Colony in Williamsburg, VA, where they could be closer to Barbara’s beloved sister Ginger, and her husband, Craig. They spent many happy retirement years in Williamsburg, building another close circle of friends and enjoying golf, tennis, travel and visits with their grandchildren. Ned passed away in March 2020 following a brief battle with bone cancer. His loss brought an end to a remarkable marriage filled with devotion, adventure, friendship, and love.
In 2023, Barbara suffered a devastating stroke. She later moved to a skilled nursing facility in Topsfield, MA where she could be closer to her children Linda and Jim and receive their loving support.
Barbara was preceded in death by her husband, Ned, and her sister, Ginger. She is survived by her brother, Bruce; her children, Linda and her husband, Ernest Ashley; Jim Cooke and his partner, Kathleen Kelley; and Paul and Melinda Cooke. She is survived by her six grandchildren, Alex Ash, Kristen Ashley and her fiancé Drew; Kyle Cooke and his wife Amber; Bailey Cooke; Emma Grace Cooke and her fiancé Henry; and Maggie Cooke. She is also survived by her two great-grandchildren, Naxon Cooke and Avencia Cooke.
Barbara will be remembered for her loyalty to family and friends, her lively sense of humor, her generous hospitality, her commitment to education and community service, and her extraordinary ability to make people feel welcome. Her life was defined by enduring relationships, joyful gatherings, and a deep love for her family.
A Celebration of Life for Barbara will be announced at a later date.
Contributions may be made in her memory to Habitat for Humanity.
Arrangements by Campbell Funeral Home, 525 Cabot St., Beverly, MA. Find information and directions or leave condolences here.
