Rosemary (Dunn) Cook

Obituary for Rosemary Dunn Cook

Rosemary Dunn Cook of Culloden, West Virginia went to be with the Lord on February 20, 2026, at her home, following a courageous journey with Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS).

Rosemary was born in South Charleston, West Virginia, the daughter of Eugene D. and Mary N. Dunn. She grew up in St. Albans, West Virginia where she attended local schools. A 1973 graduate of St. Albans High School, she went on to attend West Virginia University, graduating in 1977 with a Bachelor of Science in Psychology. Additionally, she attended  West Virginia State College, earning a Bachelor of Science in Education in 1982, and West Virginia College of Graduate Studies, where in 1985 she completed a Master of Arts in Psychology and a Certificate of Advanced Study.

Rosemary moved to Hamlin, West Virginia in 1982 where she met and married her husband of 42 years, Steven M. Cook. Together they lived in Hamlin, later moving to Culloden, West Virginia where they raised their two daughters, Leigh Allison and Blair Katherine. A nurturing and caring mother, she devoted herself to creating a warm home where her family always felt supported and loved. Signs of her love were woven into everyday moments and made tangible by sweet treats, elaborate handmade costumes, long poolside chats, hearty laughter at a well-timed joke, and the simple delight she found in her family’s presence.

Her faith in Christ was central to her life, and she found great joy in worshiping and serving at Forrest Burdette Memorial Methodist Church in Hurricane, West Virginia. She treasured time spent with her dearest friend, Phyllis Carper Dorsey, who was like a sister to her. She also loved WVU sporting events (except when they lost), a monthly book club, tending to her garden, traveling, and visiting the Outer Banks of NC. She deeply valued the many friendships she formed through her church, her community, and her professional life.

As her daughters married and started their own families, Allison with Zach Smith of Wheeling, West Virginia, and Katie with Elliott Giles of Burbank, California, she warmly embraced her new family members and cherished her role as “Gram” to Sutton and Bennett Smith and to Addy and Landon Giles. She especially enjoyed Christmas with her grandchildren, thoughtfully selecting presents, baking endless batches of cookies, and handcrafting special stockings for each grandchild.

She worked as an elementary teacher in Lincoln County from 1979 to 1985, as a school psychologist in Cabell County from 1986 to 2005, and with the West Virginia Department of Education Office of Special Education from 2005 until her retirement in 2010. She is preceded in death by her parents Eugene D. and Mary N. Dunn of Sutton, WV and brother, Daniel K. Dunn of Culloden, WV.

The family would especially like to thank Christin Casto and the Staff at Teays Physical Therapy, who became like family; Dr. Shelley Bailey and her staff at Valley Health, who were always ready to help; the ALS Clinic teams at WVU Neurology Clinic, led by Dr. Shamaila Sultan; and CAMC Neuromuscular Clinic, led by Dr. James Russell.

The visitation will be held Saturday, February 28 at 10:30 AM at Forrest Burdette Memorial Methodist Church. The memorial service will be held Saturday, February 28 at 12:00 PM at Forrest Burdette Memorial Methodist Church. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations in Rosemary’s name can be directed to Forrest Burdette Memorial Methodist Church, the ALS Association, or the Team Gleason Foundation.

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