Obituary of Janet S. Cooke

Janet S. Cooke Watkins Glen: Janet Catherine (Shaw) Cooke, 76, passed away peacefully on Tuesday, January 20, 2026, at Cayuga Medical Center, with her sons Robert and Michael at her side. She is now reunited with her loving son Timothy, her best friend Jane, her mother Mary L. Shaw, her father Robert L. Shaw, and her brother James E. Shaw. Also waiting and wagging are her favorite "Furever friends" -Henry, Daisy and Penny! Her children Robert (Catherine), Timothy, and Michael, along with her grandchildren Ayda, Arlo, Madeleine, and Jenavieve, were the joys of her life. She will be sincerely missed by her Claira "Cat." Time spent with them was always precious to her. In life, her favorite moments were spent at the family cottage on Seneca Lake. This was her "Happy Place," as reflected by her many "Life Is Good" T-shirts. She enjoyed watching the grandchildren learn to swim, planting her flower gardens, and gatherings with family and neighbors—especially Doug's campfires, where she spent many Friday and Saturday nights chewing the fat with neighbors and friends. She is now reunited with her favorites: Doug, Tom, Billy, Charlie, and Nan. Janet was also a master gardener with an incredible green thumb. She was always up for a good yard sale, with Dundee Days being one of her favorites with her lifelong friend Rhonda. Running a simple summertime errand with her could easily turn into five yard sale stops along the way! In lieu of sending flowers, Janet would be honored if you planted something in your own garden this summer in her memory. Any monetary donations may be made to the Schuyler or Yates County Humane Societies. Honoring her wishes, there will be no prior calling hours or funeral services. A celebration of life will be held at the convenience of the family, at the family cottage, at a later date. Arrangements were entrusted to the Baird Funeral Home 36 Water St. Dundee, NY. Online condolences can be sent by visiting www.bairdfuneralhomedundee.com.