BAILEY ISLAND – Elaine Cook’s family remembers her as a strong and independent woman who had entrepreneurial spirit and a zest for life.

Soon after moving to Bailey Island in the late 1940s, she persuaded her husband, Maurice Cook, to buy a house on Garrison Cove for $7,500. Together, they founded Cook’s Lobster Pound and later Cook’s Lobster House, which has been an iconic destination for Mainers and tourists for more than 50 years.

Additional Photos

Elaine Cook, shown at her grandson’s wedding in Texas in 2006, juggled raising five children and running successful businesses. Family photo

Mrs. Cook died Monday at the age of 85.

She was a driving force behind the success of the businesses, said Kathy Cook of Fayette, the middle of her five children. Before her parents built Cook’s Lobster Pound, she said, her mother would fill orders for customers by rowing out to the family’s wooden lobster crates, floating in the cove.

“She worked right alongside my dad in every aspect of the business,” she said. “My mom was the brains and my dad was the brawn. Not to say my father wasn’t a smart and successful man on his own, because he was. It was just how it was.”

The Cooks built their restaurant, Cook’s Lobster House, in 1955, followed by the Cook’s Island View Motel, which remains today. He ran the restaurant and she worked there for a short time as a waitress. Mrs. Cook later operated the motel.

Another daughter, Marsha Kallstrom of Weston, Fla., said she admired her mother’s drive to succeed. She said Mrs. Cook masterfully juggled the duties of being a parent and running a successful business.

“She had the brains, ambition and the ability. She was willing to work hard to be successful,” Kallstrom said, noting that she taught her children by example.

Kathy Cook said she and her siblings grew up in the business, taking on small jobs when they were as young as 8 or 10.

“She taught all of us a real good work ethic,” Kathy Cook said. “Honesty was always important. All of us girls are really strong and independent, no question.”

Mrs. Cook and her husband were married for about 35 years. She sold the motel in 1979 and moved to Miramar, Fla., where she lived during the winters. In the spring, she would pack her car and drive with her dog to her second home on Bailey Island.

Her daughters said she made the 1,600-mile drive by herself until last fall, when she drove part of the way with her son.

“I was always very impressed,” Kallstrom said. “I know I can’t do it. She would get in that car and just go.”

Mrs. Cook had a passion for bowling. She bowled in the senior league at Yankee Lanes every summer. In Florida, she belonged to two leagues, bowling regularly until she became sick.

Mrs. Cook’s health began to decline when she returned to Florida in October. Kallstrom said they were very close, meeting once a week for lunch and talking several times a week.

“She was always very strong. She was a rock, always there for us if we needed her,” Kallstrom said. “I’ll miss going out with her and talking to her.”

Staff Writer Melanie Creamer can be contacted at 791-6361 or at:

mcreamer@pressherald.com

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