Margaret Rich Cook, 91, of Wilmington, North Carolina, died on April 6, 2020.

Margaret was born July 15, 1928, in Fayette, Missouri. She graduated from Central Methodist University in Fayette, Missouri. She married Dr. Thomas B. Cook on June 10, 1951, and they raised their family in Richmond, Missouri.

Margaret was a serious animal rights activist, taking up many causes throughout her life and was one of the founding members of the Ray County Humane Society. She was also an active member and served as a trustee of the Richmond United Methodist Church.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Dr. Thomas B. Cook. She is survived by her three children, Thomas B. Cook Jr. and his wife Bongi Mhlanga of Johannesburg, South Africa; James E. Cook and his wife Melissa of York, Pennsylvania; and Rebecca C. Durham and her husband James of Wilmington, North Carolina. She is also survived by five grandchildren: Elizabeth Barlock and her husband Michael; Mitchell Durham; Lucy Cook; Lilly Cook; and Mbali Mhlanga-Cook. A private memorial will be held at later date.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Ray County Humane Society at 200 S. College St., Richmond, MO 64085. Perhaps the ultimate memorial would be to adopt a pet from your local animal rescue.