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On Sunday, January 29, 2023, it was released that Marcia G. Cooke, a Senior United States District Judge in Florida, passed away over the weekend. Ms. Cooke was 68 at the time of her passing, and spent her final days in her hometown of Detroit. Judge Cooke served the Southern District of Florida for 18 years after being nominated in 2003 by former President George W. Bush. She was confirmed by the Senate with zero objection in 2004.

Judge Cooke, "established herself as a sharp and fair jurist who treated everyone in her courtroom with respect and kindness," according to the United States Attorney's Office in a statement released on Friday. "Judge Cooke's death is an immense loss, and she will be sorely missed."

Prior to her appointment, Judge Cooke was an assistant county attorney for Miami-Dade County. She was also the chief inspector general for the Executive Office of the Governor when Jeb Bush was in office. She was also an adjunct professor at St. Thomas University College of Law and University of Miami School of Law.

The head of the South Florida litigation practice, Holland & Knight LLP, Adolfo Jimenez, said, "Judge Cooke cared deeply about the legal profession. She ensured equal justice in her courtroom and dedicated countless hours to the training and promotion of professionalism of lawyers. She loved her alma mater, Georgetown University, and served the University in numerous capacities including service on the Board of Regents. She embraced Miami, loved life and always sought fairness."