Obituary of Edythe Marjorie Cook

EDYTHE M. COOK

May 20, 1926 – February 24, 2023

Born Edythe Marjorie James, Edythe lived a long and fulfilling life. She grew up with her brother Alan and an extensive set of James and Wilson aunts, uncles, and cousins, and eventually with Alan’s wife Joan and their four children. Following marriage to Ken Bingham in the closing months of WWII, Edythe had three children that she adored – David (Diane), Mary (Ian), and Bruce (Mary). After Ken died, a game of bridge brought Bernie Cook to the family and the delightful addition of Patricia (Mike). The years rolled by and soon there were grandchildren: Karen (Bruce), Kim (Geoff), Lesley (Greg), Brian (Brittany), Katie (Mike), Elizabeth (Daniel), Michael (Diana), Mickey (Mallika), and Alex. Edythe delighted in each addition to the family. She spent time with every grandchild, celebrating their successes, sympathizing over problems, looking after them, traveling with them, and marveling as they grew into adulthood. And soon there were great-grandchildren, another cause for celebration and a new cast of characters to enjoy, from Jonathan who is now 24 to Oliver who is the most recent addition, plus the knowledge that there will soon be another great-grandchild.

Following Bernie’s death, George Matchett came on the scene, along with his welcoming family in New Zealand that Edythe readily adopted: Ross (Marianna), Barry (Viv), Jim (Margaret), Brian (Kay), and Marian (Brian). Edythe and George alternated winters and summers in Toronto and Morrinsville, New Zealand until George could no longer travel. After that, Edythe spent four months each year with George and in between those visits, they spoke on the phone every day.

Beyond family and the loves in her life, Edythe had wonderful friends. People were attracted by her charm and excellent listening skills, her ready banter, her zest for life and occasional racy jokes. She is described as classy, a woman with a generous heart, gracious, kind and caring, the best possible mother-in-law, a great hostess, and someone who was always willing to lend a hand. Edythe was a committed volunteer, serving for many years, and in different leadership capacities in church groups, Girl Guides, and at Kipling Acres. Her most enduring quality was to both touch the lives of so many and be touched by so many in return.

The funeral will be held on Friday, March 3, 2023, at the Humphrey Funeral Home A.W. Miles – Newbigging Chapel, 1403 Bayview Avenue (south of Davisville) at 2:00 p.m. with visitation beginning at 12:45 p.m. A reception will follow.

Donations in Edythe’s memory may be made to a charity of your choice, the Sunnybrook Foundation or the Canadian Red Cross. Condolences may be forwarded through www.humphreymiles.com.

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