Liliana Drouet Cook

June 20, 1950--September 8, 2026

A surrogate mother to everyone she knew and someone who found immense joy in every celebration, it was only fitting that God welcomed Liliana into His kingdom on the Nativity of the Blessed Virgin Mary.

Born in Guayaquil, Ecuador, to Maria Luisa Marmol Campuzano and Alejandro Drouet Calderón, Liliana grew up in a lively, loving home as the seventh of nine children and the youngest of four sisters. From an early age, she was a natural caretaker, instinctively looking out for everyone around her.

As a young woman, Liliana moved to Washington, where she worked for the Embassy of Ecuador. Through events co-hosted by the embassy and the U.S. Department of State, she met the love of her life, Paul Cook. The two were married in 1982, celebrating their honeymoon in New Orleans—a trip she reminisced about frequently. Together, they built a life of mutual adoration until his passing in 2014.

Though she could not bear children of her own, Liliana embraced a higher calling: to be a mother to everyone she met. Her life was defined by extraordinary generosity, as she poured her time and energy into the people she loved. In her heart, there was no such thing as a stranger—only someone in need of comfort, guidance, or a brownie.

Nothing brought Liliana greater happiness than bringing family together. She found delight in taking family photos and ensured no one was left out—except herself, as she captured the joy of being together. While she stayed behind the camera, her high-spirited nature and unforgettable laugh filled the room, making those gatherings unforgettable. Those snapshots remain a true reflection of her spirit: warm and full of life.

Much like Our Lady, Liliana provided a sanctuary of love to her siblings, nieces, nephews, neighbors, and friends. She proved that motherhood is defined not by biology, but by grace, selflessness, and tender devotion.

Liliana is reunited in heaven with her husband, parents, three dear siblings, and beloved extended family. She is survived by the countless souls she nurtured, sacrificed for, and claimed as her own. While her passing leaves a profound void, she leaves behind the memory of her vibrant smile, contagiously positive spirit, and wise counsel as well as an enduring legacy of unconditional love in the hearts of all who were blessed to know her.

A funeral mass will be celebrated at 1:30 PM on September 30 at Christ the Redeemer Roman Catholic Church (46833 Leesburg Pike, Sterling, VA 20164).