Mary C. Cook

Mary Cecilia (nee: Wirmel) Cook, 87, passed away peacefully on September 14, 2026 at Bayley Assisted Living. Born October 27, 1938 to William Wirmel and Cecelia (nee: Size) Wirmel in Cincinnati, Ohio. Mary grew up on the West Side of Cincinnati along with her late sister Jeanne. Her early years were surrounded by family, filled with both joys and hardships.

As a mother of three girls, she was always active in their schooling and extracurriculars. Mary served as the Room Mother of her children’s grade school, President of the PTA, Physical Education teacher, and even worked with LaRosa’s Pizzeria to start the first ever wine and cheese event at St. Dominic School. As a Girl Scout Leader (brownie, cadet, and troop leader) she played a crucial part in organizing the girls camping trips. She loved her children and served their community and parish with pride.

As her girls grew up, Mary built a cherished career at Fifth Third Bank where she served as an executive assistant in commercial banking. A devoted employee for years, she always brought professionalism and poise to the office. She did not see her work as just a job but rather a place for connection and opportunity. She made some life-long friends at Fifth Third and always lit up when they came back around to visit after retirement.

Mary was a vibrant, driven, talented woman who marched to the beat of her own drum. A self-proclaimed world traveler, Mary explored Greece, Switzerland, France, Spain, Portugal, Morocco, Italy, Austria, Hong Kong, and more! When she was not traveling abroad, she would often visit her daughter and three grandchildren out in Pennsylvania.

From exploring the world to the streets of Downtown Cincinnati, she always incorporated pieces of culture into family outings with her beloved, six grandchildren and two great-grandkids. From new art to food to music, she often took the grandchildren to Findlay Market, the Cincinnati Art Museum, and introduced many to classical and jazz music.

If she was not out on the town exploring, you could always find Mary in the kitchen cooking or baking up something close to a five-star Michelin restaurant. Weekend family dinners were a staple for Mary. The table would be set with enough food to feed an army, everyones’ mouths drooling ready to eat, yet Mary was nowhere in sight! She would be in the kitchen putting the final touches on one last dish. “Mom, come sit down!” rang like a constant alarm clock at Mary’s table. We would say grace, Mary would shed a tear in thanksgiving for her family being together, and we would dig in. If you were lucky enough to experience Mary’s cooking and baking you were one she loved deeply. She expressed her love in serving others at the table.

She was known around town for her famous Christmas cookies and holiday parties. Folks made sure to stay on her “good side” through the year so they would receive her Christmas tray of cookies. As if she wasn’t busy enough baking four dozen batches of 12 different kinds of cookies, she would never miss the chance to host her family and friends for the holidays. Christmas time was Mary’s favorite and her children and grandchildren felt that with every decoration, dish, and act of love she put into the celebration. Friends would know to keep Mary’s New Year’s Eve party on their calendars and come dressed in their best ready to party.

Fashion was another love language of Mary’s. Her shoe collection would make DSW look weak. Her taste in clothing and shoes was both classic and chic, something her granddaughters and great granddaughter in particular admired. Little ones were often found exploring grandma’s closet for high heels, cheetah print blouses, and silk scarves. Her condo was a neatly decorated home filled with exotic treasures to be found.

Mary will be remembered for her love of life, family, and faith. She leaves behind her three daughters; Mary Lynn (Jay) Schiller, Suzanne (Late Vinny) Giannetto, and Amy (Keith) Childers. Along with six grandchildren; Athena Muse, Stephanie Childers (Jordan Mastern), Keith Childers, Vinny Jr. Giannetto (Brittany), Gabriella Giannetto (Sol Taylor), and Nicholas Giannetto (Natalie), two great-grandchildren, Hannah Edwards (Jesse), and Jeremiah Mastern. Finally, we are beyond grateful that Mary was able to meet her two great-great-granddaughters Goretti and Rosemary Edwards before her passing.

Mary will be laid to rest at St. Joseph’s Catholic Cemetery in Delhi. Public visitation will be held Thursday September 17th 5pm - 7pm at The Radel Funeral Home on Neeb Road. The Rite of Christian Burial Mass will be held the following morning, Friday September 18th 10am at St. Lawrence Parish in Price Hill. All are welcome.

Radel Funeral: 650 Neeb Rd., Cincinnati, OH 45233

St. Lawrence: 3680 Warsaw Ave Cincinnati, OH 45205

St. Joseph’s Cemetery: 3819 8th St W Cincinnati, OH 45205

Her family is grateful for the kindness and support shown during this time, especially the nurses and aids at Bayley. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Bayley Assisted Living https://www.bayleylife.org/giving#giving-form or The Archdiocese of Cincinnati Catholic Ministry Appeal that supports priests’ retirements, hospital and prison ministries, St. Rita’s School for the Deaf, and more - https://catholicaoc.org/cma