Catherine Virginia Cook

Catherine Virginia Cook, lovingly known to most as Sissy or Maw Maw, was born on January 22, 1950, at Sibley Memorial Hospital in Washington, D.C. She passed away on Friday, October 23, 2026, surrounded by family.

Sissy was born to her late parents, Charles Gordon Thomas, Sr. and Catherine Virginia Thomas, and grew up on the family farm in Upper Marlboro, Maryland. She was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Waymon Franklin Cook, Sr., affectionately known as Bunky. 

She is survived by her children, Allen Sweeney, Donna Cook, Robert Cook (Susan), Keith Cook (Michelle), and Cathy Bellamy (Rob); and her niece, Heather Yi. She also leaves behind her cherished grandchildren, Jessica, Monique, Shayla, Kacie, Kolbe, and Olivia, who brought her immense joy.

Sissy was preceded in death by her brothers, Charles Gordon Thomas, Jr., whom she lovingly called Bubby or Junior, and Oscar Earl Thomas. She is survived by her siblings Roland Thomas (Cathy), Steven Thomas (Beverly), and Patricia Lumsden (Terry), as well as her sister-in-law, Trudy Thomas, wife of her late brother, Junior. 

Sissy graduated from Frederick Sasscer High School in 1968. Following graduation, she began a long and dedicated working career, spending many years as a food service cafeteria manager within the Prince George’s County school system. Throughout much of that time, she held two jobs, also working part-time at Tucker’s Restaurant and Wayson’s. She later served as a store manager at Paceway Convenience Store. 

For the last 20 years of her career, Sissy worked as a weighmaster/scale house operator at Waste Management, which later became Maryland Environmental Service. She continued working there until six months ago, when she took a leave of absence to focus on her health. Sissy was a hardworking woman who took pride in providing for her family and never shied away from putting in the extra effort. 

Above all, Sissy was a woman who loved her family fiercely and made sure everyone around her felt loved and cared for. She was known for hosting large family cookouts and holiday meals, always making sure no one ever left hungry. Annual cookie baking was one of the many traditions she created with her children and grandchildren, filling their homes and hearts with memories that will last a lifetime. 

Her love of baking extended far beyond the holidays. Over the last five or more years, she spent countless weekends baking dozens upon dozens of cakes, cookies, and brownies for friends, family, coworkers, and anyone lucky enough to receive one of her treats. It tickled her children, niece and grandchildren pink to watch her learn to use Google and navigate the internet to find new recipes and order baking supplies. 

Sissy also shared a special connection with O’Brien, the family’s house cat. A favorite memory was watching her chop up watermelon on a plate to feed him. And, of course, Sissy loved her nightly ice cream treat before bed—a simple pleasure that was part of her daily routine. 

Sissy had a loving yet feisty spirit that kept her family on their toes. She had a way of making herself known, bringing laughter, love, and plenty of personality wherever she went. Her presence will be deeply missed, but the traditions she created, the memories she leaves behind, and the love she gave so freely will continue to live on through her family for generations to come. 

We can only hope that Sissy is now at peace and reunited with her beloved Bunky, her parents, and all those who left this world before her. We can picture her now, sharing coffee, donuts, and fried chicken with them once again. 

Her life was a gift, her love was a blessing, and her memory will forever be treasured. 

The family will receive friends at Lee Funeral Home Calvert, 8200 Jennifer Lane, Owings, MD 20736 on Sunday, November 1, 2026 from 4:00 pm - 7:00 pm. A Funeral Service will be held Monday, November 2, 2026 at 10:00 am in the Funeral Home Chapel. Interment will follow at St. Barnabas Episcopal Church Cemetery, 14111 Oak Grove Road, Upper Marlboro, MD 20774.