Elayn Carol Cook

YOu may view the funeral service using this link: https://youtu.be/nAgdtfNvrjk

Elayn Carol (McIntosh) Cook (70) of Grand Forks passed away peacefully of natural causes April 11, 2021 at her home.

Elayn was born July 29, 1950 in Minot ND, daughter of Kenneth and Muriel (Olson) McIntosh. Elayn spent her childhood in Donnybrook ND graduating from the local High School in 1968. After high school Elayn attend the Minot College of Business for two years, graduating with her degree.

On June 12, 1971, she married the love of her life Stephen David Cook at St. Anthony’s church in Donnybrook ND. Together they had 3 children raising them in Minot, ND, Prior Lake MN, back to Minot, ND for a bit and finally settling in Grand Forks, ND in 1989. It was here that Elayn started her career as a tax professional with H&R Block. She worked preparing taxes for many loyal clients for 15 years. After retiring from H&R Block, Elayn continued to use her vast tax knowledge by volunteering for the VITA (Volunteer Income Tax Assistance) organization. For nearly 10 years helping the elderly and persons with disabilities file their taxes.

Elayn was very passionate about helping others not only thru her volunteer tax work but by fund raising for the local chapter of the Alzheimer’s Association. For the last several years she raised money with her team “Cook Kids Warriors” and took part in the Walk to End Alzheimer’s event. Elayn was also an animal lover thru and thru. She donated to many local and out of state animals rescues and was a strong advocate for adoption of shelter animals. During the course of her life she rescued several beagles from all over the United States giving them safe and loving homes.

Of course Elayn’s biggest joy in life was her family. She loved sewing quilts for her kids and grandkids that will be forever treasured. She enjoyed attending her grandkids’ sporting and musical events, and just loved having everyone over for a good family meal.

Elayn is survived by her loving husband, Stephen Cook; and their three children and seven grandchildren. Stephanie (Erik) Alston, grandchildren Kenna, Nicholas, and Ayla, Snoqualmie, WA. Stephen (Karin) Cook II and grandchildren Matthew and Kaitlyn, Thompson, ND. Dwayne (Stephanie) Cook and grandchildren Avery and Delaney, Buxton, ND. She is also survived by her sisters, Jeanette (Lewis) Gates, Minot, ND, and Betty (Lowell) Myers, Carpio, ND, and many nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Kenneth and Muriel (Olson) McIntosh and sister, Sheila (McIntosh) McCabe.

**In lieu of flowers, memorials may be directed to the Alzheimer’s Association or the Circle of Friends Animal Shelter in GF in her name.

Funeral Service: 2:00 p.m. on Monday, April 19, at Amundson Funeral Home in Grand Forks, with visitation the from 1-2pm at the funeral home.

Inurnment will be at a later date.