Born in New York City prior to the Great Depression, Josephine “Fifi” Cook was the second daughter of Maurice (Mordechai) and Sidonia (Hesch) Mulder. The youngest of three, Fifi, her sister Esther and half-brother Maximilian von Redwitz were moved about frequently early in life, living in both the United States and in various locations throughout Europe.

While in New York, Fifi trained as a U.S. airplane mechanic during World War II, and had ambitions to become a true Rosie the Riveter until the war ended in 1945. Shortly after the end of the war during a vacation in Provincetown, Massachusetts; she met a town native who was a returned navy sailor, named Joseph Cook Sr. This trip would become the “vacation that never ended,” as she decided to stay in Provincetown where she married, enjoyed the beaches, watched the shows, and together with Joe Sr. created a family. Joe and Fifi had five children, Roxanne, Geneva, Georgette, Valentina, and Joe Jr.
Josephine lived a very long and full life, both in Provincetown and later in Dunedin, Florida, where she happily settled into the role of “beach Mama” on the weekends to a group of young and athletic windsurfers. Everybody knew Fifi, and she became the adoptive mom to everybody who was there to have fun, learn to boardsail, and to enjoy the weekends on the beach.
Fifi was a sharp, intelligent, and witty woman with a mischievous spirit and sense of humor. Fourth of July in the Cook house would often start with the 1812 Overture being blasted throughout the house as soon as the sun rose. She loved to read, watch Jeopardy and Wolf Blitzer, and loved listening to music of all genres – particularly favoring Puccini at full blast.

Fifi is survived by her five children, as well as several grandchildren, and great grandchildren.
Think of Fifi when you see all of the colors of a Florida sunset.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in her name at Suncoast Hospice. (https://suncoasthospice.org/online-donations/)