Florence Marie Cook passed away on March 14, 2024, in Rapid City, SD.

Throughout the 80 years that Marie shared her life with her loved ones she was known by many names.  "Wee" was one of the first names she was given by her four siblings.  Due to baby brother Bobby's single syllable attempt at saying Marie, she was known as "Wee" by brothers Bobby, Lindy, Johnny and sister LeAnn for the rest of her life.  Wee and Johnny grew up together roaming the hills of Walkerville and living a childhood that was unique to that era and to Montana.

During the 30 years she spent teaching Physical Education and Coaching the Butte Tarpons and Butte High Swim Teams she was known as "Coach Cook".  She approached her profession not only to impart knowledge, but more so to become a mentor and advocate for the less fortunate of those she encountered at the schools where she worked. She made a difference in the lives of many students and athletes in Butte, which she would say was her greatest achievement.  However, she also was instrumental in coaching one of the most accomplished swimmers to ever compete for the U.S. Paralympic team (Erin Popovich); resulting in Marie being a credentialed coach and attending the 2000 Paralympic Games in Sydney where she saw Erin win 3 gold and 3 silver medals for Team USA.

In addition to coaching athletes, Marie also excelled in sports.  During her high school and college years she participated on a synchronized swim team, during her professional years she ran marathons (during a time when many believed women shouldn't compete in endurance sports), and after retirement she joined family members on an epic hike down North Rim to bottom and up South Rim of the Grand Canyon.

Marie was also known as a devoted and loving wife to her husband Bob, whom she married right after graduating from the University of Montana in 1965.  Bob and Marie shared a love for the outdoors and an enthusiasm for sports.  This was never more evident than when they were competing against Bob's older brother Bruce and his wife Marylou in many hard-fought duels at the Big Sky Olympics throughout the 1970s.

She was known as a beloved Mother-in-Law to both Steve Alexander and Joel Feist.  A Mom to daughter Connie to whom she instilled the importance of living life with strength and grace.

Her greatest joy came when she became known as "Gram" to her two grandchildren Amber and Austin.  They were blessed to have "Gram" live with them for twenty years and for her to celebrate their childhood, milestones, and be the source for so many happy memories.

And just a year ago she became "Great Cookie" to great-grand daughter Breckyn Rotramel.  She got to swim in a four-generation pool workout last Fall when Breckyn was 6 months old, Amber was 33, Cookie (Connie) was 57 and Great Cookie was 79. It is another cherished family memory and an example of the wonderful experiences Marie lived.

Marie is survived by daughter Connie (Joel Feist);  grandchildren Amber (Robb Rotramel) and Austin (fiancée Kirstin Borge);  great-grandchild Breckyn Rotramel; brothers Johnny (Joan Mooney), Lindy Hall, LeAnn (Chris Schmidt), Bobby (Ofelia Hall); and nieces and nephews who all shared their love for her.

She was proceeded in death by parents Florence Hall, Leon Hall and Charles Mooney; husband Bob Cook; brother-in-law Bruce Cook and his wife Mary Lou.

A private viewing was held for her immediate family and a celebration of Marie's life will take place at the Madison River in Montana in June.