Sandra Cooke

Sandi grew up in rural Duke Center, Pennsylvania, with 4 siblings: Becky, Dale, David, and Don. In her youth, her parents, Henry and Jo Cousins made a trek to Florida with only their belongings and a camper in search of opportunity. They had a sense of adventure and optimism for the future. After high school, Sandi made a career at Publix for most of her adult life. She met her husband Lawrence Cooke at Publix and raised her children Larry Jr. and Jennifer in Cocoa & Merritt Island.

Sandi was a hard worker and provider for her family. Though not going to college, she had a knack for planning and getting things done. She worked long hours at Publix while also providing a comfortable home life for her kids. Family was always her top priority. In later years, Sandi was a real estate agent with Trafford Realty in Cocoa.

After retirement, Sandi enjoyed cruises with her husband and other family. She enjoyed relaxing on a deck chair, reading a book, and a good meal/conversation.

She lost her husband Larry in 2009 and moved to a waterfront condo in Cocoa Village. Sandi enjoyed walking her dog, Suzie, around the streets and the Village. She lived independently in Cocoa for 17 years after losing her husband. Sandi was particularly fond of Christmas time with family—a tradition going back to her parents singing carols by the player piano. Grandchildren were important to Sandi and she gifted custom Christmas ornaments to celebrate their achievements.

Sandi is survived by her children Larry Cooke Jr and Jennifer (JJ) Russo, daughter-in-law Pei-Lu Cooke, son-in-law Jimmy Russo, her brother David Cousins, and sisters-in-law Gay Cooke and Fran Cousins. She also has grandchildren Aly, Anthony (with Serenity), Michelle (with Matthew), Renee, and great-grandchildren Parker, Saverio, and Alessio.

Sandi never sought attention and requested not to have a large funeral or flowers. There will be a graveside committal service on Friday 3:00PM (Jul 17) at Florida Memorial Gardens in Rockledge, FL.