Everyone at Cowsmo would like to send our deepest condolences out to the family and friends of Beth.
Beth Jean Cook, of 1 East Hadley Road, Hadley, MA died at home surrounded by her loving family on October 28th , 2021. Beth was born October 20th , 1950, in Greenfield, MA to Elaine (Sullivan) and Phillip Hepburn Jr. She graduated from Frontier Regional High School in 1968 where she was voted, to no one’s surprise, most sociable. After graduation, she moved to Boston with friends to gain her independence and live life the way she would continue to — genuine, curious and brave.
In Boston, she worked at the shoe company Joan and David until she was called back home to Puffer Construction Company, where she met Gordon Cook. They were married on November 16th , 1974, and moved to eastern Massachusetts where they began their life together.
In 1983, they moved back to the Connecticut River Valley with their four children to Cook Farm in Hadley, MA where Gordon’s family has operated a dairy farm with Cook Farm Registered Holsteins since 1909. For the next 15 years, Beth (“Jonesy”) displayed her legendary work ethic by working side-by-side on the farm with Gordon, while also working part-time jobs, including at the Hadley Post Office. Beth’s busy daily schedule honed her 20-minute gourmet chef abilities with a home-cooked meal for her family and anyone else who walked through the door. In that time, her unending love for her children and ability to bring a smile to their faces never wavered.
Beth had long envisioned having an ice cream stand on the farm. In 1998 – after spending many months doing the necessary leg work to make that dream a reality – she opened Flayvors of Cook Farm. Beth’s infectious enthusiasm and love of all people – whether she knew them for years or had just met them – quickly made Flayvors a community gathering place where everyone felt welcome. She endeared herself to all those who entered and wowed connoisseurs with homemade ice cream “flayvors” like the now nationally known “Hadley Grass”. Beth’s legacy of joy will live on in the smiles Flayvors brings, whether it’s celebrating the end of school or just pausing life long enough to enjoy an ice cream cone while watching the sunset.
Beth worked hard and asked for little in return, except perhaps a hot bath and a good book. She was never so busy though that she couldn’t stop for a coffee or to help a friend. For Beth, love was at the center of everything in life; she embodied the belief that ‘there are no strangers, just friends you haven’t met yet’.
For years, Beth bravely managed Multiple Sclerosis, and then in 2017, she was diagnosed with Lewy Body Dementia. Beth refused to allow any diagnosis to change the way she lived her life. She continued to accompany Gordon on his Holstein travels and to delight her grandchildren with her smile, her stories, and her beautiful singing voice.
Beth leaves behind her husband Gordon Cook and their loving children and grandchildren: Kara Cook; Hank and Debby Cook (Mary, Kirsten, Juliette, Annalise, and Gordie); Kimberlee Cook and Jordie Hannum (Hadley and Graham); and Nathan and Lee Ann Cook (Dean, Wyatt, Josephine, and Lane). Beth also leaves behind her three sisters, Lois Domina, Suzanne Hepburn, Kathy Peabody (Tom), and their families; many cousins, in-laws, nieces, and nephews as well as countless friends. She was predeceased by her parents, Gordon’s parents Marjorie and Gordon Cook Sr., sister-in-law Judith Loebel, nephew Kenny Cook and brother-in-law Bob Domina.
Calling hours will be held at Douglass Funeral home at 87 North Pleasant St. in Amherst, MA on November 19th from 4:30 – 7:30 pm. A funeral service is scheduled at the First Congregational Church at 102 Middle Street, Hadley, MA on Saturday, November 20th at 10:30 am. Per Beth’s wishes, there will be an Ice Cream Social in her honor when the warm weather returns.
In lieu of flowers, the Cook Family asks for donations to be sent to Hospice of the Fisher Home, 1165 North Pleasant Street, Amherst, MA 01002; The First Congregational Church of Hadley, 102 Middle Street, Hadley, MA 01035; or The Lewy Body Dementia Association (LBDA), 912 Killian Hill Road Southwest, Lilburn, GA 30047. Beth chose to make a contribution to scientific research by donating her brain to help better understand neurological diseases.