[Congressional Record Volume 172, Number 67 (Thursday, April 16, 2026)]
[Senate]
[Pages S1818-S1819]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                         ADDITIONAL STATEMENTS

                                 ______
                                 

                         REMEMBERING NANCY COOK

 Ms. BLUNT ROCHESTER. Mr. President, I rise today to honor the 
life and legacy of former Delaware State Senator Nancy W. Cook, who 
passed away on March 23, 2026, at the age of 89. While she will be 
remembered for her extraordinary leadership in public office, Nancy 
was, above all, a devoted wife, mother, grandmother, trusted friend, 
and a steadfast pillar of her community. My thoughts are with her son 
Tom, daughter-in-law Beth, and all who knew and loved her.

[[Page S1819]]

  Cook was a legendary and trailblazing figure in Delaware politics. 
Born in Philadelphia, she grew up in New Castle County, where she 
became a proud graduate of William Penn High School. Soon after 
attending the University of Delaware, Senator Cook moved to Kent County 
and began her life of public service working in legislative hall in 
Delaware's capital city of Dover. Following the tragic passing of her 
beloved husband Allen in 1974, Nancy carried forward his legacy by 
stepping into his seat, representing Senate District 15 and the town of 
Kenton in the Delaware State Senate.
  Over the next 36 years, Senator Cook served as a powerful force for 
effective and thoughtful leadership. She rose through the ranks to 
serve as senate majority whip, chairwoman of the senate highways and 
transportation committee, and the longest serving cochair of the joint 
finance committee. Her tenure was defined by a deep commitment to 
responsible economic development including strengthening the State's 
finances, cutting taxes, and championing long-term infrastructure 
projects that continue to benefit the State today.
  Beyond the legislature, Senator Cook was deeply committed to 
preserving Delaware's rich history while shaping its future. She served 
on the Delaware Heritage Commission's Delaware Oral History Project and 
the Riverfront Development Corporation and was a champion for the 
preservation and restoration of Delaware's historic landmarks, 
including legislative hall itself.
  Nancy Cook was a mentor for generations of Delaware public servants. 
I am personally grateful for her support and thoughtful guidance during 
some of the most challenging times in my own life. As the first 
Democratic and longest serving woman in the Delaware Senate, her legacy 
lives on through her decades of public service and through the 
countless lives she influenced, including my own. I will deeply miss 
her steadfast leadership, her thoughtful counsel, her quick wit, and 
her compassion for all Delawareans.
  Today, I invite my colleagues to join me and the people of Delaware 
in honoring the outstanding life, service, and legacy of Nancy W. 
Cook.

                          ____________________