Mary Ellen Cook

Mar 28, 2021 | Obituaries, Obituaries 2021 | 7 comments

Mary Ellen Cook
5/26/1949 – 3/22/2021

Mary Ellen was a kind, compassionate, and loving mother, daughter, sister, and friend. Survived by her mother, Gerd Murphy; sister, Susan Murphy; brothers John David Murphy(Kris) and Stephen Murphy(Linda, Andrew, Ben, Sonya); mother-in-law, Jo Ann Cook; and daughter Jennifer Cook. Preceded in death by her husband, H. Duane Cook.

Mary Ellen attended Notre Dame de Sion and the University of Kansas. She later went on to complete her medical records training and found her calling in Cancer Registry. She worked at Research Medical Center for over 35 years, then retired after approximately 12 years at St. Joseph Medical Center. During her career, she worked in Cancer Registry, data collection and research for Health Midwest and the Cancer Institute, helped coordinate and lead cancer conferences and the cancer committee, and worked with the doctors to put together the annual reports, all in the name of the fight against cancer.

Above all else, Mary Ellen had a positive impact on the lives of so very many. Far more people and in greater depth than she probably realized.

A Celebration of Mary Ellen’s life will take place on June 19th from 11:30-1:30 at Signature Funerals, 406 E. Bannister Rd. Kansas City, MO 64131. Out of respect for elderly family members please be mindful of Covid-19 safety protocol. If you would like more information about the celebration of life, please email MECookMemory@gmail.com with your name and preferred form of contact.

In lieu of flowers, please direct any donations towards
Kansas City Hospice House, 12000 Wornall Road, Kansas City, MO. 64145
The kindness and assistance in easing Mary Ellen into a peaceful transition was incredible and the family thanks them very much.

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Catherinr Garcia-Leiber

2 years ago

Mary Ellen gave great smiles and excellent stories. She will be greatly missed. Thank you sharing her. C. Leiber

Tim Metcalf

2 years ago

Mary Ellen was a mentor and dear friend. She will be greatly missed!

Suzi Bass Moore

2 years ago

Rest In Peace Mary Ellen, you were a better friend than any of us deserved.

Suzi Bass Moore

Pamela Wright

2 years ago

Mary Ellen was an outstanding person as well as a Cancer Registrar. She was passionate about collecting cancer date and saw the difference that data made in overall cancer care. Her passing is not only a loss to me personally but, is a loss to our profession.

NANCY HUNT ROLD

2 years ago

May Ellen was passionate about her role in the fight against cancer. She sought to always increase her knowledge and verify her understanding of cancer registry issues. I saw her at state professional meetings where she listened attentively and asked the most insightful questions of the doctors and leaders who presented.

Carol Fleming

2 years ago

I am so sorry to hear that Mary Ellen passed. God bless her and her family

DeLane King

2 years ago

Mary Ellen had the best laugh and was delightful to work with. On a personal level she was easy to talk to and seemed to have friends every where we went. She made a difference in the lives she touched with her gentle, sensitive, understanding ways. To the family I am sorry for your loss. She was a blessing to have as a friend.

Kind Words

Thank you both for the patience and understanding on the logistics of BK's funeral arrangements. It was a pleasure to work with you both. My sister, Julie, couldn't have been more pleased. The services you offer are well thought out and executed with compassion.

MHD

Dad has commented several times since mom's passing how her Celebration of Life was such a nice tribute to her and how grateful he was for that process to be handled so smoothly.

Beth W.

You both have exceeded your calling, and I'm so grateful you were there for me.

Marchia

Thank you so much for all of the care and concern you have given our family. We appreciate all of your help in planning the funeral. You did a wonderful job!

The Abram Family

Words will never be enough to properly express our gratitude...Your care for him and your guidance in our hour of need will never be repaid. Thank you, a million times, for you compassion and respectful service.

Nicole

Thank you so much for your compassionate care of our family. You have answered Dad's call to comfort grieving families, and we are so grateful.

Nancy

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Bukeka and Makeda

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Cynthia

"A giant THANK YOU for your knowledge, care, concern, suggestions and friendship"

Joyce F.

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Amy E.

Thanks for making this an easier experience than I could have imagined.

Bill B.

You made the whole experience of losing my Dad so much more bearable thank I could have imagined. Thank you so much for everything.

Paula H.

Thank you again for all of your help, support and encouragement.

Linda S.

I want to thank you and the friend that is making these wonderful white cloths ... whenever I see it it reminds me of a shroud and brings a very pleasant peace.

thank you dear friend

Elaine

I'm Speechless, you are so kind. You made Richard's celebration of Life and awesome experience. Richard and I shared our life together for 45 years and you have put my life in a happier place.
Most Grateful I am, Robert S.

Robert S.

Your service (and that of the other team members at Signature Funerals) was so helpful to my family throughout the aftermath of my dad's death. Thank you again for your sensitive but wide-ranging help and advice. The service and celebration of his life went smoothly and was cathartic to everyone, due in large part to all of you at Signature Funerals.

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With much gratitude and love,

Vicki and family

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Jill H.

Cathy Boomer has a very calming influence and sense of peacefulness about her, even in the most emotional situations. She handled all the details of my mother's passing and funeral with professional dignity. She was unobtrusive but in control of all the little details and we, as a family, relied on her with immense satisfaction.

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Genanne D.

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Sue and Bernie

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Mark R.

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Eleanor P.

I want to thank you, on behalf of my family, and father in particular, beginning with your presence with us the night of mom's passing in her room. You were a calming presence throughout. Your funeral space is lovely and uplifting. It was, indeed, the perfect space for such a somber, but also celebrated gathering. Thank you for your guidance throughout.

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Jim and Leslie

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Cherlyn

"At such a difficult time, it was comforting to have your respectful and tender care of my mom and her arrangements. The service was a beautiful end to her journey to Heaven. You truly have a unique gift."

Holly G.

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Brian O.

"I want to thank Signature Funerals and yourself for everything you have done during this hard time. You made this nightmare into something for us to be proud of. The kindness and love you showed us from day one was truly amazing. God Bless."

Ned and Kimberly

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Anne E.

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Debbie Brown

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Marta Reber Warren

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Andre Player | Vice President Anthem Media Group