Hilda Cook

Hilda Cook, a longtime resident of Stamford, Connecticut, passed away on Monday, January 6, 2025, at the Wilton Meadows Rehabilitation & Nursing Center in Cannondale, Connecticut. She was 92 years old.

Hilda was born on February 13, 1932, in Garfield, New Jersey, to Joseph and Anna (Daniel) Hovan. Following studies at Eastern Academy, Fairleigh Dickinson Junior College, and New York University, Hilda worked at Passaic General Hospital, eventually serving as the director of public relations before leaving to raise a
family.

In 1958, Hilda married Milan (Kucharik) Cook, and together they had three sons, David, Jeremy, and Jonathan. A devoted mother and community member, Hilda was deeply involved in volunteer work throughout Fairfield County in the fields of education, the arts, and historic preservation. An avid pianist and church organist in her youth, she was a frequent concertgoer and a longtime supporter of the Stamford Symphony. She also served as the director of operations and finance at the Greenwich Health Association (later part of Greenwich Hospital) and as a board member of the Connecticut Geriatrics Society. In 2013, Hilda co-founded The Memory Cafe of Stamford, a welcoming space for individuals with memory loss or in the early stages of dementia, providing opportunities for mutual support among their families and caregivers. With several other devoted volunteers, Hilda continued to organize Memory Cafe events until 2024.

Hilda was predeceased by her husband Milan in 1982; her son Jonathan in 1965; and her siblings Helen and Joseph. She is survived by her sons David and Jeremy, who were by her side at Wilton Meadows. She is also fondly remembered by numerous nieces and nephews, and their children and grandchildren.

Honoring Hilda’s wishes, memorial arrangements will be private.

In lieu of flowers, donations in Hilda’s memory may be made to a volunteer organization that focuses on
improving lives, easing pain, and bringing joy to people in your community.