Hannah H. Cook

Hannah H. Cook, 89, of Cole Road, passed away peacefully on Friday morning, April 17, 2026, at the Hospice Residence of Jefferson County in Watertown, NY.

Hannah was born in Parish, NY, where her father, a doctor, had his practice. Her mother was a former hospital nurse. Three years later, a younger sister joined their family. When Hannah’s father volunteered to join the Army Medical Corps during WW2, the family followed him to his training in the Midwest and then to the East Coast, from which he was sent overseas to England, where he treated wounded combat soldiers. While her father served overseas, Hannah and her family stayed on Long Island with her mother’s relatives while her mother went back to nursing during the war. Following her father’s return, the family moved to Norwich, where Hannah completed school, graduated from Norwich High School, and then earned her B.A. from Cornell University in 1958.

While at Cornell, Hannah met Miller Cook, a student at Cornell Veterinary School. Following their graduation, Hannah and Miller were married in October 1958. For their first year together, they lived in Oswego, where Miller worked in a veterinary practice with Dr Dimon. In September of 1959 a daughter, Tracy, was born to them. Soon afterward, the family moved to Carthage, where Miller bought a veterinary practice. In October of 1960, a son, Curtis, was born. During the years that her husband operated his own practice, Hannah acted as secretary and bookkeeper, as well as raising their two children.

A lifelong animal lover, Hannah, as a young teen and as an adult, shared a great love of horses, especially harness horses, with her father. Later, Hannah’s interest led her to the raising and showing of both rough and smooth collies. Beginning with her first litter in 1971, she was actively involved with collies for 40 years, producing many champions and obedience titleholders.

Hannah joined the (then) Methodist Church of Norwich when she was a young girl. After moving to Carthage, Hannah and Miller joined the Methodist Church there in 1960. Over the years, she wore many hats as a member of the women’s circle, the couples club (with Miller), teaching Sunday School for several years, serving on the Pastor-Parish Relations Committee, and chairing the Administrative Council. She helped with many dinners, bake sales, rummage sales, and countless other church activities.

Hannah also participated in other community activities such as the Hospital Auxiliary, Dickens Club, Eustiantha Club, and the North Country Kennel Club.

During their vacations, Hannah and Miller enjoyed traveling to such spots as Florida, Maine, Pennsylvania, Chicago, and a very special twenty-fifth-anniversary trip to England and Scotland. When her granddaughter was small, Hannah enjoyed caring for her when her mother was working.

Hannah enjoyed working in her garden and took pleasure in choosing the lovely flowers that grew around her home. Summers were a time for harvesting the delicious, fresh vegetables Miller planted and tended, as well as sharing the produce with friends and neighbors.

Hannah will be remembered and missed by family, friends, and colleagues for her many contributions.

A Graveside service will be announced and held at a later date in the Hillside Cemetery in West Carthage, NY

Arrangements are being handled by the Bezanilla-McGraw Funeral Home, located at 518 State Street, Carthage, NY 13619. For those who wish to leave an online condolence for the family, please visit www.bezanillafh.com