Hortense Natalie Cook Obituary (1924 - 2014)

Hortense Natalie Cook 89 died Thursday morning at Inland Hospital in Waterville with family by her side. She was born in Waterville, Maine on April 9, 1924 the daughter of Joseph W. and Viola A. Vigue Giroux and was a Waterville High School graduate Class of 1941. She was also a graduate of Thomas Business College, Class of 1942. In her early working life, she was employed by Maury's Jewelry Store on Main Street here in Waterville for several years. She then was employed in the Accounting Department in the Main Office of LaVerdiere's Drug Stores and spent many years with them until her retirement. Hortense loved to cook for family and friends and was known in the area as the "Fudge Lady" She also loved reading, music and playing her harmonica and humming Christmas Carols as she worked and with family members. Hortense was also a cat lover and often sent donations to help the local Humane Society care for stray cats. She was also a family historian and often spoke about her life in the old days growing up and her working experiences. She was predeceased by her parents, her husband Francis H. Cook , her sister Nancy Bourgoin and her two lifetime friends: Mary Begin and Dorothy Allen. She is survived by her son: Jan Francis Bishop of Waterville, daughter: Bonnie Rae Bishop Pratt of Winslow A step-daughter: Francine Roy of Fairfield and brother-in-law Eugene Bourgoin of Clinton. 2 grandchildren: Deborah Duquette of Oakland and Michelle Green and husband Rodney of Lewiston. 2 great-grandchildren: Amanda Duquette of Oakland and Erica Whithee of Corinna 2 step-granddaughters: Tammy Luce of Fairfield and Holly Runnells and husband Gary of Canaan. 1 step-grandson: Jason Roy of Fairfield. Also by several nieces and nephews. There will be no public visitation and a Celebration of Life will be held at 10 a.m. Tuesday March 11, 2014 at the Shawmut Chapel Bray Street in Shawmut, Maine. Burial of her cremains will take place later this spring in the family lot at St. Francis Catholic Cemetery in Waterville. In lieu of flowers, donations in her memory can be sent to the Mid-Maine Homeless Shelter 19 Colby Street Waterville, Maine 04901 or to the Waterville Area Humane Society 100 Webb Road Waterville, Maine 04901 Guestbook can be signed and condolences expressed at www.gallantfh.com. Arrangements were made through the Gallant Funeral Home 10 Elm Street Waterville, Maine