Nancy Birge Baldauf Cook

Nancy Birge Baldauf Cook, of Salem, Va., died on Tuesday, August 13, 2024.

She was born to the late Richard and Isabelle “Sue” Baldauf on October 16, 1946, in Hartford, Conn. After graduating college, she and her husband, Richard, moved to Salem, Va., where she lived the rest of her life.

Nancy is survived by her loving husband, Richard Cook, whom she was married to for 56 years. She was a wonderful mother and grandmother. She is also survived by her three children, Ethan Cook (Stephanie Gacek Cook), Ryan Cook (Sang Kanithanon Cook), and Emily Cook (John Burke); three grandchildren, Cate Cook, Clay Cook, and Isabelle Burke; her sister, Gail Baldauf Borkowski (Tim Borkowski); sisters-in-law, Christina Baldauf and Lucy Cook; and brother-in-law, Alan Cook. Nancy was a great friend and had a wonderful support system in her Windy Hill family and other special friends she cherished.

In addition to her parents, Nancy was preceded in death by her brother, Richard “Dickie” Baldauf; and her brother-in-law, David Cook and his wife Laraine Cook.

Nancy was a lover of books, music, and poetry and wants to be remembered with the following poem, “Death” by Clare Harner.

Do not stand at my grave and weep,
I am not there, I do not sleep.
I am a thousand winds that blow;
I am the diamond glints on the snow.
I am the sunlight on ripened grain;
I am the gentle autumn's rain.
When you awaken in the morning's hush,
I am the swift uplifting rush
Of quiet birds in circled flight.
I am the soft star that shines at night.
Do not stand at my grave and cry.
I am not there; I did not die.

There will be a private memorial. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to North Cross School. Visit Nancy’s tribute page on the funeral home’s website (www.johnmoakey.com) for the direct link and choose “Nancy Cook Memorial Gift” or mail to North Cross School at 4254 Colonial Avenue in Roanoke, Va. 24018 and reference "Nancy Cook Memorial Gift".