Carmen Rivero Cook

Carmen Generosa Rivero Benitez Cook, 91, of Grove City, Ohio, passed away peacefully at home on Friday, August 28, 2026.

Born in Barcelona, Spain, on July 19, 1935, she was the daughter of Moises Rivero Collazo and Rafaela Josefa Benitez Santana. Raised in Madrid, Carmen attended the Real Colegio de Nuestra Sra. de Loreto. Following her studies, she worked as a fashion apprentice for the prestigious fashion design house, Casa de Alta Costura Pedro Rodríguez. It was during this time that on a train from Barcelona to Madrid in September 1955, she met the love of her life, Lewis Eugene Cook, Jr. They were married on August 15, 1956, and soon after, began their beautiful journey together in Circleville, Ohio. Moving to the United States allowed Carmen to fulfill a cherished childhood dream of building an American life—a dream she lived to the absolute fullest as a proud, naturalized U.S. citizen for 70 years.

The couple raised their family in Circleville before eventually making their home in Grove City. Carmen was a deeply devoted homemaker who later brought her natural talents, impeccable taste, and distinct flair to her work as a sales associate at The Union Company department store and Casual Corner in downtown Columbus. Her innate sense of style and great cachet were evident in everything she did. She was completely dedicated to her family, finding her greatest joy in hosting elaborate holiday gatherings filled with delicious Spanish food, wine, music, stories and laughter.

A mother and wife of unwavering Christian faith, Carmen was a member of Calvary United Methodist Church, attended First Presbyterian Church for several years, and was a long-time follower and supporter of Les Feldick Ministries. A proud spiritual milestone in her life was serving as a field prayer counselor during the 1993 Billy Graham Crusade in Columbus. Her life was defined by a steadfast, Christ-led example that her children will forever honor and remember.

To her children and grandchildren, Carmen leaves behind a legacy of deep devotion and boundless love. They will always remember her complete dedication to their happiness and success, her vibrant fighting spirit, and the unwavering way she stood by them through every season of life.

She was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Lewis (d. 2014); her son, Jorge Lewis Cook (d. 2025); her parents; her two brothers, Rafael Antonio Generoso Rivero Benitez and Carlos Moises Alberto Rivero Benitez; and multiple extended family members.

She is survived and dearly missed by her children, David Cook and Elizabeth (Traci Shaw) Cook; her sister, Maria Luisa Rivero Benitez Soteldo of Madrid; and her granddaughters, Isabel Sofia Cook (Chicago) and Morgan Dale Shaw (Columbus), along with several nieces and nephews.

A private burial will be held at Union Cemetery. The family extends their deepest gratitude to Mount Carmel Hospital of Grove City and the Mount Carmel Hospice team for their exceptional, compassionate care.

Arrangements under the care of the Newcomer Funeral Home, SW Chapel, 3393 Broadway, Grove City, Ohio (614-539-6166).

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