Dearest Ray, Ginger very sweetly notified me of the loss of your wife Charlene.  Altho I did not know her, your testament of your love for her and your long marriage , I grieve for you, and feel I missed a huge
blessing not knowing her.  Your comments brought great joy to me, a fellow Christian, of the love for the Lord and for Charlene that you hold in your heart.  That was a beautiful service for her.  May the sweet memories help to fill the void left in your heart…til you meet again…”see you there”,   much love,         Lynda Dame Shoda

Ray and family
"May there be
comfort in knowing
that someone so special
will never be forgotten."
God bless you and the family find comfort in the memories always much love Darlene and family
-

I will always remember Charlene as a loving and caring person. We had some wonderful conversations that I will cherish forever. I love you and miss you Charlene.

Grief is a natural part of our loss when a loved one goes to be with the Lord. However, the apostle Paul tells us that we do not grieve like those who have no hope. Paul also reminds us that, although sin is the sting that results in death, we can rejoice that God gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ.  May our Lord continue to comfort you and your family during this time.

Ray:  We were fortunate to know and be close friends with both of you all those years.  What can we say-Charlene was a wonderful person and you always treated her with love and respect.. She will always be remembered.  You also are a special person.  Love your extended family and continue to be a blessing to them just as God iintended.  Love, Bill and Georgie

In November, 1963 a cute, vivacious blonde with a wicked Maine accent and I met.  Charlene Smith was following her dream to live “where the boys are”; and lucky for me, we shared an office together at Chris Craft Corporation where we both were secretaries.  Wade and I were newlyweds, and his best friend, Ray Cook (aka “Cookie”) was playing the field.  Only fitting to fix them up!  "Charlie" (as I called her then and still do) and Cookie seemed to hit it off fantastically until Cookie got cold feet and ended the relationship.  Poor Charlie returned to Maine, and it was a very sad time for us all.  A few months passed, and Cookie, who visited us often, stopped by one day in a very depressed state.  He admitted he had made a mistake and really cared for Charlie.  That was all I needed!  I grabbed the phone, dialed Maine and hollered when Charlie answered, “COOKIE LOVES YOU”.  It didn’t take long until Cookie went to Maine, married the girl of his dreams, and returned to Pompano.  The rest is the history of a beautiful 58-year love story.

 I will always remember Charlie for her infectious smile and laughter.  And talk about someone who could dance those crazy 60's dances – Watusi, Jerk, Mashed Potatoes, and more!  What rhythm!  But more than anything was her kindness to all.  I don’t recall her ever having a bad word to say about anyone.  And Cookie loved her so.  She could do no wrong in his eyes.  Their devotion to one another was an inspiration to all.  There are no words to express my sadness for the past ten years prior to her passing.  But Cookie was there by her side, feeding her, telling her corny jokes and loving her with all his heart.  She is now free to fly with the angels and dance those crazy dances in good health.  To Ray, Brian, Karin, and all the Cook and Smith family – may time heal the grieving and allow your wonderful memories of Charlene (“Charlie”) to remain forever.  I am truly blessed to call her my friend.   With love and deepest sympathy.

My condolences to the Cook family.  I have so many fond memories of Mrs. Cook from my childhood. 

Please know that my thoughts and prayers are with you during this incredibly difficult time.

Love,
Gabrielle (Tribble) Zaidman

My thoughts and prayers are with Ray, Brian, and Karin at this time of tremendous loss. I also hold Charlene’s siblings (my cousins) in my prayers as they grieve the loss of their sister.
My memories of Charlene span back to when as youngsters my parents visited the Smith home and my sister, Diane, and I slept upstairs with Charlene and her sister Sharon. We would tell stories and laugh for hours, or until a firm voice from downstairs told us to be quiet and go to sleep. I also remember Charlene telling us to put our fingers in our ears so we couldn’t hear the mosquitos. We still had mosquito bites the next morning.
I remember when she made the trip back from Florida to introduce us all to Ray and announce their engagement.
My most recent memory is when Ray and Charlene met us at the condo we rented in Kissimmee, FL. All of us “grown ups”  went to Disney World and had a great time! Before leaving to head home,  Charlene played peekaboo with Gordy outside at the lamp post. I have a picture of them and Charlene has that beautiful smile and glimmer in her eyes as she laughed with him. Gordy would figure out that Charlene’s dry sense of humor was no match - she gave him a run for his money as the saying goes!  
Charlene, I believe in God’s home, you are now free from dementia and having a wonderful reunion with your mom and dad, and so many other family members who passed before you. You had a beautiful life with Ray, and your absence from his life will be deeply felt. Leave him signs because I know you will be in his life spiritually.
Love you
Marilyn & Gordy 💛🌹

OBITUARIO

Charlene S. Cook

9 enero, 1943 – 24 mayo, 2024

Kraeer-Fairchild Funeral Home and Cremation Center

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