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Congressional Daily Record
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April 16, 2026
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Download official Senate Record PDFReturn to issue contextMs. BLUNT ROCHESTER. Mr. President, I rise today to honor the life and legacy of former Delaware State Senator Nancy W. Cook, who passed away on March 23, 2026, at the age of 89. While she will be remembered for her extraordinary leadership in public office, Nancy was, above all, a devoted wife, mother, grandmother, trusted friend, and a steadfast pillar of her community. My thoughts are with her son Tom, daughter-in-law Beth, and all who knew and loved her.
Cook was a legendary and trailblazing figure in Delaware politics. Born in Philadelphia, she grew up in New Castle County, where she became a proud graduate of William Penn High School. Soon after attending the University of Delaware, Senator Cook moved to Kent County and began her life of public service working in legislative hall in Delaware's capital city of Dover. Following the tragic passing of her beloved husband Allen in 1974, Nancy carried forward his legacy by stepping into his seat, representing Senate District 15 and the town of Kenton in the Delaware State Senate.
effective and thoughtful leadership. She rose through the ranks to serve as senate majority whip, chairwoman of the senate highways and transportation committee, and the longest serving cochair of the joint finance committee. Her tenure was defined by a deep commitment to responsible economic development including strengthening the State's finances, cutting taxes, and championing long-term infrastructure projects that continue to benefit the State today.
preserving Delaware's rich history while shaping its future. She served on the Delaware Heritage Commission's Delaware Oral History Project and the Riverfront Development Corporation and was a champion for the preservation and restoration of Delaware's historic landmarks, including legislative hall itself.
Nancy Cook was a mentor for generations of Delaware public servants. I am personally grateful for her support and thoughtful guidance during some of the most challenging times in my own life. As the first Democratic and longest serving woman in the Delaware Senate, her legacy lives on through her decades of public service and through the countless lives she influenced, including my own. I will deeply miss her steadfast leadership, her thoughtful counsel, her quick wit, and her compassion for all Delawareans.