Kathryn Cook

Cook, Kathryn Louise On the morning of August 20, 2021, Kathryn Louise Cook passed away peacefully holding both her daughters' hands with her son-in-law by her side, following her battle with lung and pancreatic cancers since 2019. Kay was born on December 13, 1945 to William and Vera (Fisher) Armstrong in Three Rivers, Michigan. Kay grew up with her brother and sister in Moore Park, MI until the age of 11, then moved to Portage, MI, graduating from Portage Central. Kay was united in marriage to Louis H. Avard in 1963. They raised two daughters in Texas Township before their marriage ended. Kay was creative and ambitious, opening her own wallpaper business. Eventually, her passion led to opening many Antique Shoppes across Southwest Michigan. Kay was well known for her beautiful linens and lace. In retirement, Kay found peace in her beautiful flower gardens. She cherished family time, making holiday gatherings memorable with baking passed-down family recipes, beautiful decorations, and her contagious smile, which her daughters and granddaughters carry on today. Kathryn precedes in death her great-grandson Lucus Kristopher Carazales; her parents; nephew, Jack Armstrong; and many aunts and uncles. Surviving are her daughters, Christine Kay Avard (Christopher Barnes) and Rhonda Lynn (Kristopher) Vernia; brother, George Armstrong (Vivian Franklin); sister, Lynne (Lee) Scheffers; grandchildren, Blake Babic, Logan Vernia, Olivia Caffrey, and Mason Vernia; six great-grandsons; and many nieces, nephews, and cousins. A Celebration of Life will be held Thursday, August 26, 2021 at 11:00am at Langeland Family Funeral Homes Burial & Cremation Services, 3926 S 9th Street, Kalamazoo, MI 49009, where they will greet friends from 10-11:00am before the service. Interment will follow in Moore Park Cemetery in Three Rivers, Michigan. A light reception will follow at Kay's home at 2:00pm. Memorial donations may be made to Hospice Care of Southwest Michigan or the Animal Rescue Project. Please visit Kay's personalized online guestbook at https://www.langelands.com