Mary Elizabeth (Aleshire) Cook

Mary Elizabeth Aleshire Leake Cook, 89, of Luray, passed away on Sunday, May 1, 2022, at Rose Hill Health and Rehab in Berryville. 

She was born on Jan. 15, 1933, in Luray and was a daughter of the late Josephine and Harry Aleshire. 

After graduating from Luray High School in 1951, she married James Y. Leake Sr. and they made their home in Purcellville, Va., for many years, raising four children. 

Mary was a former member of the Eastern Star, a volunteer for the Purcellville Rescue Squad and a member of the Purcellville Volunteer Fire Department Ladies Auxiliary. She worked at First Virginia Bank in Loudoun County for many years.  

She married Hughy Cook on Dec. 29, 1990, and they built a home in Berryville, where they lived until retiring to Luray.  

After Hugh’s passing on March 6, 2006, Mary moved to Stephens City, Va., to be closer to family. 

She is survived by three daughters, Joanna Shumaker of Winchester, Barbara Leake Hill and husband Virgil of Louisa, and Karen Leake Ruffner and husband Raymond of Harpers Ferry, W.Va.; a son, James Y. Leake Jr. and companion Sandy McKinley of York, Pa.; five grandchildren, Lindi Glover, Jason Shumaker, Vicki Bowen, Tiffany Lane and Brandy Tasker; 12 great-grandchildren; and two great-great-grandchildren.  

In addition to both husbands, she was preceded in death by a brother, Robert Lee Aleshire. 

Mary was a special person, her since of humor kept several employees at Rose Hill in stitches. Her smile will be remembered by many. 

A graveside service will be conducted at 2 p.m. on Wednesday, May 4, at the Beahm’s Chapel Cemetery in Luray by the Rev. Erich Bennett. 

Memorial contributions may be made to the Luray United Methodist Church. 

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