Josephine Charlotte Cook

Josephine “Josie” Charlotte Cook of Mentor, Ohio, peacefully passed away in the arms of her loving parents on June 3, 2026. Born on August 12, 2025 to Brian Cook and Theresa Gersin, she brought immeasurable joy and light into our lives during her short time here. 

Though her life was brief, she fought so bravely and left a permanent mark on all of our hearts. Josephine was also known as Josie, Josie girl, Jojo, stinky baby, princess, sweet girl, beautiful, chunky baby, angel face, and all kinds of other nicknames. She communicated wildly with her perfect eyebrows as they danced all over when you spoke to her. Her eyelashes were every girls dream, and she loved being read to by her big sister Julia and the wonderful volunteers and staff at Rainbows. When Josie was upset or if she wouldn’t sleep when mom and dad weren’t there, the wonderful nursing staff turned on her fishies, sound machine, and spent hours giving her back, belly, and butt pats to relax her. 

Josie was not only our daughter; we shared her with the staff at Rainbow Babies and Children’s hospital for Josie’s 295 days of life. Every doctor, nurse, respiratory therapist, PT/OT, palliative care team, social workers, pcna, volunteer, and all other members of Rainbow 4 and the PCICU became Josie’s second family. Thank you for your never ending care and love for Josie girl. 

Josie gave the ultimate gift at the time of her death in the form of organ donation and was able to save a life; she is a true miracle and hero.

Josephine is survived and loved by her parents, her big brothers and sisters James, Jonathan, Julia, Jackson, and June, grandparents Gary and Michelle Gersin, Uncles Jeffrey and Derek Gersin, Uncle Brian (Amanda) Elig, Uncles Keith and Ty (Lauren) Cook, Aunts Jessica Lesak and Andrea Zerinsky, Aunt Michelle Petrie, Kathryn Elig, and her namesake, Charlotte Hollan, along with many other extended family members. 

She was met in heaven by her paternal Grandmother Rebecca Fitch, paternal Grandfather Tyrone Cook, Aunts Ann and Samantha Cook, Uncle Alan Cook, great-grandmother June Pattison and other family members that have passed on before her. 

There will be a service honoring Josie on June 10, 2026 where we will welcome friends and family from 4-6pm at Slone & Co Life Celebration Center 3556 W. 130th st. Cleveland, OH 44111, with a celebration of life directly following. 

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations of books and toys be made to Rainbow Babies and Children’s Hospital to honor Josie’s memory.