Colleen M. Cook

Ballwin, MO
NOV. 19, 1964 – MAY 26, 2026

Colleen M. Cook, 61, of Ballwin, MO, passed away Tuesday, May 26, 2026, at St. Louis University Hospital in St. Louis, MO.

Colleen was born November 19, 1964, in Quincy, IL to Daniel and Mary (Hilgenbrink) Cook.

Colleen graduated from Quincy Notre Dame and continued her education at Southern Illinois University Carbondale, where she earned a bachelor’s degree in English. Her love of language and learning shaped both her education and her professional life. She began her career as a legal secretary for her father at the Daniel E. Cook Law Practice. She later worked as an editor for Moseby Publishing. She continued her editor duties when Moseby became Elsevier. Then she worked as a proposal director for Optum, a subsidiary of UnitedHealth Group.

Outside of work, Colleen had many interests. She had a lifelong passion for literature and especially enjoyed Jane Austen novels. She was a member of the Jane Austen Society in St. Louis. Colleen was also a wonderful cook, and her baked goods became a cherished part of Christmas gatherings. Colleen adored cats and shared her life with several feline companions over the years. She also enjoyed watching British television and listening to the timeless music of Frank Sinatra and the Rat Pack. Traveling brought her great happiness as well. She loved visiting The Breakers in West Palm Beach, and she treasured a memorable business trip to England, Scotland, and France.

Family was central to Colleen’s life, and she remained deeply connected to those she loved. She is survived by her mother, Mary K. Cook of Quincy, IL; two sisters, Kathleen Galloway of Nashville, TN, and Erin Cook of Quincy; two brothers, Kerry Cook (Dana) of San Antonio, TX, and Ryan Cook of Hannibal; five nephews, Brian Galloway (Keeley), Sean Galloway, Ian Galloway, Aiden Cook, and Daniel Cook; and one uncle, Robert Hilgenbrink (Donna). Colleen was preceded in death by her father, Daniel Cook; and by her grandparents, Joseph and Marie (Schell) Hilgenbrink, and Everette and Hazel (Williams) Cook. Her presence in the lives of her family and friends was a source of comfort, laughter, and love. Her memory will remain a lasting blessing to all who knew her.

Friends and Family are invited to Colleen’s Life Celebration at a visitation that will be Monday, June 8, 2026, from 10:00 am to 11:00 am at St. Peter Church in Quincy, IL. A Memorial Mass will follow at 11:00 am. Burial will follow at Greenmount Cemetery in Quincy, IL.

Memorial contributions may be made to The Cat Network of St. Louis.

Online condolences may be shared and video tribute may be viewed at www.ODonnellCookson.com.