Miriam Elizabeth (Young) Cook

Passed away Saturday afternoon, November 28, 2020 in South Haven, MI. Miriam was born January 2, 1927, the daughter of Lester and Vera (Zechiel) Young in Culver, Indiana. In 1945 she was hired as a switchboard operator at Ma Bell in Kalamazoo and continued working for the phone company for 38 years.

On July 3, 1959 Miriam was united in marriage to Alvin Cook, who was the love of her life. She met him at a dance, and throughout their marriage (he preceded her in death on July 9, 1986) they kept dancing. They also loved camping and fishing Up North, and chasing lighthouses. When not Up North, they frequented West Michigan beaches, and sometimes had the beach at their house--their Fourth of July parties at their pool were always a special event for family and friends. They also enjoyed discovering treasures at flea markets and garage sales.

A devoted member of the First United Methodist Church in Kalamazoo, Miriam sang in the choir for many years. Her hobbies included playing the piano, ice skating, and baking. She was famous for her homemade cookies, which she shared with family, friends, and anyone who helped her around the house after Al died. She knitted dish cloths by the dozen; everyone in the family had "Auntie M" dishcloths.

She was preceded in death by her brothers, Malcolm and Everett Young; her nephew, Mike Young, and her step-daughter, Catherine Emmert. She is survived by her nephews Paul Young and Mike Corder; cousin Sue (Chris) Clark; step-daughter Deborah Emmert; and several grand nieces and nephews. A private family graveside service was held in Mt. Ever-Rest Memorial Park. Memorials may be directed to the American Heart Association.