Helen Benson Cook, 100, passed Saturday, Dec. 5, 2009, at Manor Care Nursing Facility in Pinehurst.

Mrs. Cook, formerly of Seven Lakes, was born March 10, 1909, in Morenci, Mich., to Edward B. and Bertha Palmer Benson.

She grew up on a farm in Lenawee County, Mich. and was a graduate of Morenci High School and of Michigan State University. She taught high school English in Elkton, Mich. She was married to Richard W. Cook, an engineer who was instrumental in NASA's moon flights, on Christmas Day in 1934. During World War II, he went to work for the Atomic Energy Commission as manager of operation in Oak Ridge, Tenn.

Her husband preceded her in death. Also preceding her in death: a brother, Howard Palmer Benson, formerly of Drummond Island, Mich.; a sister, Rowena Benson Stevens, formerly of both New York City and Palm Beach, Fla.; and a brother, Edward B. Benson, formerly of Sun City, Ariz.

Surviving are a sister, Margaret Benson Bancroft, of Grand Rapids, Mich.; several nieces and nephews; and several great-nieces and nephews.

A graveside service will be held at 11 a.m. Wednesday, Dec. 9, at Pinelawn Memorial Park in Southern Pines with Pastor Robert Crouch officiating.