Watkins Glen: Janet Catherine (Shaw) Cooke, age 76, passed away peacefully on Tuesday, January 20, 2026, at Cayuga Medical Center, with her sons, Robert and Michael, at her side. She is now reunited with her loving son, Timothy; her best friend, Jane; her mother, Mary L. Shaw; her father, Robert L. Shaw; and her brother, James E. Shaw. Also waiting to greet her are her favorite “Furever friends”—Henry, Daisy, and Penny.
Janet’s children, Robert (Catherine), Timothy, and Michael, along with her grandchildren, Ayda, Arlo, Madeleine, and Jenavieve, were the joys of her life. She will be deeply missed by her Claira “Cat.” Time spent with family was always precious to her.
Her happiest moments were spent at the family cottage on Seneca Lake—her “Happy Place,” as reflected by her many “Life Is Good” T-shirts. She enjoyed watching her grandchildren learn to swim, tending her flower gardens, and hosting gatherings with family and neighbors, especially around Doug’s campfires on Friday and Saturday nights, where she shared stories and laughter with friends and neighbors. She is now reunited with her favorites: Doug, Tom, Billy, Charlie, and Nan.
Janet was also a master gardener with an incredible green thumb. She loved a good yard sale, with Dundee Days being a favorite outing with her lifelong friend, Rhonda. Even a simple summertime errand could easily turn into five yard sale stops along the way!
In lieu of flowers, Janet would be honored if you planted something in your own garden this summer in her memory. Monetary donations may be made to the Schuyler or Yates County Humane Societies.
Honoring her wishes, there will be no prior calling hours or funeral services. A celebration of life will be held at the family cottage at a later date, at the convenience of the family.
Arrangements were entrusted to Baird Funeral Home, 36 Water St., Dundee, NY.
