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GREENBURGH, N.Y. Paralee Castleberry Cook, a lifelong resident of Greenburgh, died at her home Thursday, Aug. 30. She was 72.
She was born Sept. 13, 1939, to Elizabeth "Libby" and June "Cutty" Castleberry. Cook graduated from White Plains public schools and worked for Grasslands Hospital, the former name of Westchester Medical Center. She worked as a health care professional and focused on health education and preventive services.
Cook also worked part time as a salesperson and later as an evening supervisor for the classified advertising department at The Journal News. Once she retired from those two positions, she joined the Greenburgh Health Center as the director of human resources.
After raising five children, Cook continued to work while attending Westchester Community College as a part-time student and earning an associate degree in business administration.
She was one of the first staff members of Union Child Daycare Center, serving as parent coordinator for two years. She worked for several years as an advocate for child care funding and early childhood education.
She was also an active member of the Ridgeview Congregational Church in White Plains for 36 years. Cook held many positions, including moderator and New York state delegate to the United Church of Christ conference. She was an avid football fan and reader and lover of jazz.
Cook was predeceased by her parents; a sister, Ruth Castleberry; and two sons, Bryan and Charles. She is survived by her husband of more than 50 years, Charles Wendell Cook; a sister, June Castleberry; five children, Anita (Felton) Gholston, Katherine Graham, Marc (Paula) Cook, Woody Pascal and DonnaRenee Cook; eight grandchildren; and a great-grandson.
A funeral service was held Thursday at Ridgeview Congregational Church. Ballard-Durand Funeral Home was in charge of arrangements.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to Diabetes Education, the American Heart Association or New York Organ Donors.
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