Flags Ordered to Half-Staff to Honor Former State Senator Nancy Cook

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Delaware is mourning the death of former State Senator Nancy Cook who passed away on Monday – she was 89. Governor Matt Meyer has ordered all flags at state buildings and facilities to be flown at half-staff to honor Senator Cook’s life and legacy.

Cook served the 15th District from 1974 until 2010. She was elected in a special election after her husband, Allen Cook, died while in office. Senator Cook was the first woman to serve as Chair of the Joint Finance committee.

After her time in the General Assembly Cook was appointed by then-Governor Jack Markell to the open Kent County Register of Wills position until the following election in 2012.

Flags will remain at half-staff through sundown Saturday.

Governor Meyer issued the following statement to remember Senator Cook: 

“Delaware mourns the loss of former State Senator Nancy Cook, a dedicated public servant and the first woman to serve as Chair of the Joint Finance Committee.

“Over more than three decades in the General Assembly, Senator Cook earned deep respect for her steady leadership, particularly as Chair of the JFC, helping build responsible state budgets and craft thoughtful policy on behalf of all Delawareans.

“She was also a devoted mother and grandmother, a trusted friend, and a mentor to many. I was proud to witness her work up close, first as County Executive and now as Governor. And like so many others, I benefited from her wisdom, from her humor, and from her guidance.

“Nancy Cook was one of one. She will forever be remembered for her commitment to public service and her unwavering belief that Delaware, as a state of neighbors, works best when we work together. Mine and Lauren’s thoughts are with her family, friends, and former colleagues this evening, as we celebrate a legacy of love and legislation that will last for generations.”

 

U.S. Senator Lisa Blunt Rochester (D-Del.) today released a statement on the passing of former Delaware Senator Nancy Cook.

“I’m mourning a major loss for Kent County, and our state as a whole—the passing of former Delaware Senator Nancy Cook.

“Beyond being a legendary and trailblazing legislator, Nancy was a mentor to so many, myself included. I’ll be forever grateful for her guidance and miss her deeply, but I know that her legacy lives on through us.

“I’m keeping her family and all those who knew and loved her in my prayers.”

 

U.S. Senator Chris Coons (D-Del.) issued the following statement in response to the passing of State Senator Nancy Cook:

“Senator Nancy Cook was a big part of what made Delaware work well. The ‘Queen of Dover,’ Nancy was a commanding figure in Delaware public life and a mentor to many, myself among them. Over 36 years in the State Senate, she helped shape our state’s future with unmatched mastery of the budget and an unwavering commitment to responsible governance. As chair of the Joint Finance Committee and the Bond Bill Committee, Nancy guided Delaware through decades of growth and challenge, strengthening our financial foundation and investing in our future. When I first sought her advice in county government, she was direct and tough, but over time became a trusted mentor and friend whose counsel I deeply valued.

“Nancy’s legacy is felt in every balanced budget, critical infrastructure improvement, and the countless leaders she inspired up and down our state. A trailblazer and steady hand, she set an enduring standard of service to our state. Annie and I are keeping her son, Tommy, and their family in our prayers, along with all who had the privilege to know her and serve with her.”

 

“We’re deeply saddened to hear of the passing of former Senator Nancy Cook, a true trailblazer and one of the most impactful public servants in Delaware’s history.

 

Nancy dedicated more than three decades to serving Delawareans, and as the longest-serving woman in the Delaware General Assembly and the first woman to chair the Joint Finance Committee, she helped shape the direction of our state in ways that are still felt today.

 

Nancy broke barriers as the first Democratic woman elected to the State Senate, but what stands out even more is how she used that position to make a real difference. She understood that good government is about making thoughtful, sometimes difficult decisions that stand the test of time.

 

Her work in the late 1970s and early 1980s to establish Delaware’s balanced budget requirements and Rainy Day Fund helped put our state on a path of long-term stability, one that continues to benefit Delawareans today.

 

More than anything, Nancy cared about her community and the future of our state and that came through in everything she did. We are grateful for her service and extend our deepest condolences to her family.”