LUBEC and CARMEL – Katharine R. (Cook) Holden, 47, passed away Aug. 20, 2010, in the company of her family at her home, after a courageous battle against cancer. Kathy was born Feb. 16, 1963, in Lubec, the daughter of Donald M. and Carolyn A. (Lewis) Cook. Kathy graduated from Lubec High School in 1981 and attended Husson University. For the past 10 years until the time her illness forced her to discontinue working in January of this year, she was employed by Bankers Life and Casualty Co., Bangor. She loved working there and hated to leave when she became too ill to work in January. Her family is extremely grateful for the kindness shown by “Gene” Gagnon and his staff at Bankers Life during her illness. Kathy’s family also thanks CancerCare of Maine, Brewer, Eastern Maine Medical Center and Hospice of Eastern Maine for their caring and professional treatment of Kathy, which made this difficult road gentler for her. Full of her usual stubborn pride until the end, Kathy never complained about the hand she was dealt, facing each day with courage, determined to make the best of it, surprising all of us with her will to live. She spent the last few months planting and tending to her garden, marveling at the rapid daily growth in all the vegetables. Kathy treasured her privacy and loved to hang out at home and spend time with her husband, Rich, who was her best friend and buddy. Both being diehard Raider fans, they enjoyed their many trips together to watch them play. They truly enjoyed each others company, watching a lot of movies, football and baseball games together or going to camp. She loved watching her cat, Funny, who she and Rich rescued from the streets of Bangor. Along with Rich, Kathy is survived by her two beautiful children, Alyssa Ogden of Newburgh and Scott Tolman of Carmel, both of whom she loved with all her heart. She was proud of them and all they have accomplished. Kathy is also survived by her two brothers, Scott Cook and his wife, Janet, of West Gardiner and their two children, Bryleigh and Tom, and Paul Cook of Bangor, and his two children, Jordan and Justine; her in-laws, Chuck and Jane Plummer of Eddington; her great friend, Kim Sawyer; several wonderful aunts, uncles and other relatives. She was predeceased by her mother, Carolyn, in 1981; and her father, Donnie, in 2001. Friends may call 6-8 p.m. Monday, Aug. 23, at Brookings-Smith, Clark-Piper Chapel, 55 South Main St., Brewer. Please dress comfortably. Burial will be private. It was Kathy’s wish that any donations be made to the Carolyn Lewis (Cook) Scholarship Fund, care of Maine Community Foundation, 245 Main St., Ellsworth, ME 04605. The fund, established in 1981, awards a scholarship each year to a graduate of Lubec High School who is continuing on with their education. With the unfortunate closing of Lubec High School, the scholarship will now be awarded to a Lubec resident graduating from any Eastern Washington County High School. Condolences to the family may be expressed at www.BrookingsSmith.com.
KATHARINE R. (COOK) HOLDEN
