Ruby Duhamel Cook

On December 5, 2017 our good friend Ruby, crossed over and left the physical vessel she called home for the last 71 years, after experiencing a wonderfully blessed incarnation. Ruby was diagnosed with COPD, emphysema and Stage IV lung cancer back in September of 2014. Always positive and upbeat, Ruby never let her physical problems defeat her mentally or emotionally. She honestly believed that her positive attitude, with regards to her medical issues would help teach others how to cope with such things. If anyone told her, "I HOPE things work out for you," she always responded that "HOPE" is a negative word. She would tell them, "Things ARE working out the way they are supposed to."

Ruby was born in Lowell on December 2, 1946. She was the daughter of the late Louis Charles and Claire A. (St. Hilaire) Duhamel. She cherished family more than anything else. She was an amazing mom, Memere and aunt. She was fun, but strict. She would take her grandchildren for as long as she was allowed, proudly sharing them with family. She is the reason that her grandchildren got to know some of their more distant cousins. She supported all of her grandchildren in each of their endeavors - you would find her yelling attaboys at sporting events, recording choir recitals and walking through car shows, among so many other things. One of her favorite things to do with her grandchildren was go see Christmas lights. It was tradition to get Wendy's and drive around. So in 2015 all her grandkids pitched in and surprised her by hiring a limo to pick her up, stopping at Wendy's and driving around for a few hours. It was a special night for all.

She was also an incredible daughter and niece. She made a point of being there for all of her aunts and uncles, whether it was driving them to appointments, picking up groceries or just plain visiting. In 2009 Ruby's position at the House of Hope, where she worked for 20 years, changed from part time to full time. She had wanted full time hours for many years, but the timing was unkind - it was also the time that her mother's Alzheimers got worse. Ruby proceeded to work full time, finding daily care for her mom and then after work would lovingly go home and care for her. No complaints, just love.

Cousin Ruby - her family was large on both sides, so she had A LOT of first cousins. And she loved each and every one of them. But that wasn't enough.
She wanted to know and be connected to their children, her 2nd cousins, and their children, so she made a point of staying connected. She shined in this role.
Most everyone knew and loved Cousin Ruby!!! She would do anything to show support to any and all family. She would even reconnect cousins with each other. The family tree was a bush and in the center was Ruby, the trunk, the strength, the connection, she extended her arms to hold everyone together all while sending her roots deep into the earth and your heart.

Ruby as a friend!!!! She has so many. She made them wherever she went. When you became her friend you had made a place for yourself in her heart.
She would consider you family.

Ruby also loved to be involved. She wanted to get to know people. She wanted to be a part of something bigger. So she joined the Franco American Day Committee and became it's first female president. She encouraged other family members to join in the committee to help celebrate their heritage. She also served as a member of the Royal Arcanum - Association Canado-Américaine for many years and was currently serving as their President.
She graduated from Lowell High School in 1964 and then continued to be involved on the reunion committee. It was there that she reignited high school friendships and created new ones. She was proud to be a part of the LGBT Community!!! She strongly believed in personal freedom and the right to voice her own opinion. She always stood up for the underdog inany given circumstance.

Ruby will forever be remembered as a beautiful woman with a vibrant smile. She was known for her beautifully matched hats, scarves, jewelry and flip flops.
And I bet if you asked her right this very minute "How are you, Ruby?" she would reply "I'm FANTASTIC!!!"

Ruby is survived by her daughter and son-in-law, Amy-Jean and John R. Leblanc of Lunenburg, her son, Louis C. Cook and his girlfriend, Sharon Wells of Boxborough; five grandchildren, John R. Leblanc and Kaitlyn Cullinane, Kurt C. Leblanc and Alexandra Stringer, Harrison M. Cook, Trinity C. Cook, Cameron C. Cook; a brother and sister-in-law, Richard "Ricky" and Marie Duhamel of Harlingen, TX; her former husband and dear friend, Bill Cook of Owensboro, KY; her cousin, "sister" and caretaker, Madeleine Bournival of Trois-Rivières, Quebec, her niece and two nephews and many cousins and friends. And her loving cat, Minou. Ruby was predeceased by her one true love Virginia A. "Ginger" Phelan, her parents, Louis Charles and Claire Ann Duhamel and her niece, Paula Ann Duhamel.