Mary Jo Flanagan Cook, beloved wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, and sister passed away peacefully on October 29, 2026, at Mercy Ridge in Timonium, Maryland, at the age of 86.

Born in Baltimore, Maryland, Mary Jo was the daughter of Isabel and Thomas Flanagan. She grew up in the Northwood neighborhood of Baltimore and attended Seton High School, where she began a life rooted in family, friendship, and tradition.

Mary Jo shared 66 wonderful years of marriage with her devoted husband, Gilbert Cook. Together, they built a beautiful life and raised their four children in Glen Arm, Maryland: Mary Beth O’Brien (Bart), Michael Cook (Madalyn), John Cook (Kim), and Amy Healy (Mike).

Family was the center of Mary Jo’s world, and nothing brought her greater happiness than the time she spent with her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. Mary Jo is survived by her husband, Gilbert; her four children and their spouses; her nine grandchildren; Meghan Chapline (Joey), Jack O’Brien, Morgan Varley (Ryan), Allie Stahl (Dylan), Ryan Stambaugh (Sharon), Kyleigh Cook, Madison Dobb, Wyatt Dobb, and Erin Dobb. Her family continued to grow with five beloved great-grandchildren: Myles, Olivia, Ryan, Isabel, and Patrick, each of whom brought her immeasurable joy and pride.

She is also survived by her sisters, Mary Michael Flanagan, Mary Jane Lambie (Walt), and Mary Agnes Palmore; her sister-in-law, Betty Fuqua; and many loving nieces and nephews. She was predeceased by her parents, Isabel and Thomas Flanagan; her brother, Patrick Flanagan; and sisters-in-law Carolyn Benson, Marilyn Buedel (Conrad), and Marie Crook.

An avid golfer, Mary Jo enjoyed time on the golf course. She is a proud founding member of Eagles Nest Country Club in Towson, Maryland and cherished her home at Harbour Ridge in Palm City, Florida. Both special places in her heart where she made many happy memories. Whether at home in Maryland or enjoying the sunshine in Florida, Mary Jo treasured the people and moments that made life special.

Above all, Mary Jo will be remembered for her deep love of family and the happiness she found in watching it grow through generations. Her legacy lives on in the many lives she touched, the traditions she passed down, and the love that will continue to unite her family for years to come.

Friends may call at the family owned Ruck Towson Funeral Home, Inc., 1050 York Rd. (beltway exit 26), on Friday, November 6th, from 4 to 7 PM. A Memorial Mass will be held at the Church of the Nativity, 20 E Ridgely Rd, Timonium, MD 21093, on Saturday, November 7th, at 9:30 AM. Interment private.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that contributions be made in Mary Jo’s memory to Breakthrough T1D, an organization dedicated to advancing treatments, improving lives, and working toward a cure for Type 1 diabetes.

Donations may be made online at:

Breakthrough T1D

Checks may also be made payable to Breakthrough T1D and mailed to:

Breakthrough T1D
PO Box 5021
Hagerstown, MD 21741-5021

Mary Jo will be dearly missed and forever loved by her family and all who had the privilege of knowing her.