Margaret Robb Cooke

Margaret, better known as Margie, will be fondly remembered for her quick wit, her warm sense of humor, her energy, and her pride in and love of her family. Active in politics from her time at Michigan State University, Margie was a pioneer and a passionate champion for the rights and status of women. She was named Feminist of the Year in 1982 by the Women Lawyers of Michigan, served as the Executive Director of the Michigan Women's Commission from the 1977-1984, and was a founder of the Women's Assembly III in 1982.

Margaret Robb Cooke was born on August 27, 1944 in San Diego, California to Carroll Joseph and Phyllis Robb Cooke. Among her fondest memories were her years at the Bishop's School, in La Jolla, California. After graduating from there, Margie went on to attend and graduate from the Michigan State University in 1966, whereupon she commenced a lifetime of passionate support for the Spartans; holding season tickets in both basketball and football and doing everything she could to encourage family attendance at games and enrollment in the school.

After graduating from MSU, Margie spent seven years in retail with the J.L. Hudson and B. Siegel companies, rising to the position on Director of Personnel, before leaving retail to take a position with Market Opinion Research in Detroit, Michigan, gathering data on consumer attitudes and opinions related to various products, services and political campaigns. Her understanding of consumer and voter behavior allowed her to offer spirited and well-informed opinions at passionate family dinner political discussions!

In 1977, Margie's love for politics and her passion for women's rights led her to accept an appointment to lead the Michigan Women's Commission as their Executive Director. In her role with the Women's Commission, Margie led a team that sought to review and address critical issues affecting the status of women in the state of Michigan. In 1984, she accepted a new role, as Director of Press & Public Affairs for the Michigan Department of Agriculture, a position she held until her retirement.

In addition to her successful political and professional careers, Margie was a published author, publishing "Ways You Can Help: Creative, Practical Suggestions for Family and Friends of Patients and Caregivers" in 2009 and consulted on successful meeting planning through her consulting firm The Guest First. She was also a member of All Saints Episcopal Church, the Michigan Women's Campaign Fund, the Michigan Multiple Sclerosis Society, Women in State Government, Zonta International (a service organization with the mission of building a better world for women and girls), and Meeting Planners International.

Margie was a pioneer in women's issues, an advocate for those without a voice and was a beloved member of the Robb, Cooke, Birchfield and Putman families. She is already missed and will be fondly remembered.

Margie is survived by her sister, Anne Cooke Birchfield of East Lansing; her niece Elizabeth Birchfield Putman of Okemos; her two nephews, James Birchfield of Westport, Connecticut and John Birchfield of Mackinaw City, Michigan; and by seven "grand" and seven "great grand" nieces and nephews.

A funeral service will be held at All Saints Episcopal Church, 800 Abbot Road, East Lansing at 2:00pm on Saturday June 21.

In closing, the family would like to share special thanks to Jackie Szymanski and her husband Craig Hoxie, who were faithful friends and amazing helpers to Margie over the years; to the team at Burcham Hills Center for Health and Rehabilitation, particularly Michelle Gladstone; and the team McLaren Hospice.

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests a donation to either Advent House Ministries in Lansing Michigan, or the National Multiple Sclerosis Society Michigan Chapter in Southfield, Michigan.