Pauline (Semenuk) Cook

Born Pauline Semenuk on March 28, 1935, in the heart of New York City, she was the second daughter of Samuel and Fanny. Raised in Wharton, NJ, Pauline grew into a bright, spirited young woman, graduating from Wharton High School.

It was there that fate led her to Gerald Alton Cook, the love of her life. They married on April 25, 1954, and together built a beautiful life in Lake Hopatcong, NJ. Their home was filled with laughter, love, and the joyful chaos of raising their two children, Mark Blaine and Pamela Ann. Though life brought its share of loss, including her beloved husband Gerry and her son Mark, Pauline remained strong—grounded by love and surrounded by family.

Pauline was the kind of woman who brought beauty into the world, not only through her remarkable talent as an interior designer, but also in the way she carried herself, cared for others, and lit up every room she entered. Whether it was crafting a perfect floral arrangement or planning a gathering, she had a touch for turning the ordinary into something special.

She was deeply involved in her community, a proud member of the Lake Hopatcong Elks Lodge #782 and Past President of the Dover Emblem Club. Her spirit of service, kindness, and camaraderie will be missed by many.

But more than anything, Pauline loved her family. She was a devoted Wife, Mother, Aunt, Friend, Sister to Nancy, Geraldine (GooGoo), Lydia, Babe (Irene), and Richie, Grandmother to Bobby, Jason, Dana, Gerald and Laryssa and a Great- Grandmother to 13 of her pride and joys—each one a spark of her legacy, a reminder of the love she poured into the generations that followed her.

Pauline had a gift for making people feel seen, loved, and welcomed. She laughed easily, loved deeply, and lived fully. Today, while we mourn her absence, we also celebrate the remarkable life she lived and the countless ways she touched our hearts.

May we carry forward her love, her strength, and her warmth. And may we always remember that we were blessed to have known her.

Visitation will be held 4-8pm on Thursday April 17, at the Bermingham Funeral Home, 216 S. Main St. Wharton.  A Graveside Service will be held 11am on Friday at Locust Hill Cemetery in Dover.

In lieu of flowers donations in memory of Pauline can be made to NJ Elks Charities Inc – Peer Leadership mailed to Robert Mauro 1584 Heatherleaf Lane, Toms River NJ 08755

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