Elizabeth Cooke Dilda

Born on April 12, 1940, in Duluth, Minnesota, Elizabeth was the beloved daughter of Herbert and Audrey Cooke. She graduated from Duluth Central High School in 1958 and continued her education throughout her career by taking numerous continuing education courses to advance in civil service. She retired as a Contracting Officer for the Department of Defense, a career she thoroughly enjoyed and of which she was immensely proud.

Although Elizabeth took great pride in her career, her proudest achievement and deepest joy was her family. One of nine siblings, she loved each of her brothers and sisters dearly and treasured the lifelong bond they shared. She was a devoted wife, a loving mother of four, and later found immense joy as a grandmother and great-grandmother. Guided by her strong Catholic faith, Elizabeth lived with compassion, generosity, and grace. She also had a love of travel and cherished the many places she visited and the memories she made along the way. Her dearest wish was that the unconditional love she gave so freely would continue through the generations of her family.

Elizabeth was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Edvin Wayne Dilda; her parents, Herbert and Audrey Cooke; her brothers, Darrel Cooke and Malcolm Cooke; her sisters, Sharon Holmes and Patricia Durden; her niece, Karen Holmes; her nephews, Rick Holmes, Rob Holmes, and Brad Cooke; and her brothers-in-law, Robert Holmes, Bill Durden, and Robert Yow.

She is lovingly remembered by her children, Lori Dilda; Tara Newboult (Tony); Joela Smith; and Jeremy Dilda (Shannon); her grandchildren, Sean; Alexandra (Ken); Christina; James (Lexi); Victoria (Austin); Riley; Carly; Tom (Lindsey); and Devon (Will); her great-grandchildren, Joseph, Jackson, Joon, Atlas, Oliver, and Carter; her brothers, Dennis Cooke (Dianna) and Douglas Cooke (Peggy); her sisters, Virginia Lind (Richard) and Molly Yow; and many beloved nieces and nephews, each of whom held a special place in her heart.

Elizabeth’s kindness, strength, devotion to her family, generous spirit, and unwavering faith will live on in the countless lives she touched. She will be missed beyond measure and remembered always with love.

Family and friends are invited to celebrate Elizabeth’s life on Wednesday, July 1, 2026, from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. at Woodstock Funeral Home, 8855 Main Street, Woodstock, GA 30188.

A graveside service will be held on Thursday, July 2, 2026, at 2:30 p.m. at Chattanooga National Cemetery for family and close friends. Seating will be limited.