In the last months of her life, Kathleen Cook was a shadow of herself, no longer the gregarious and chatty mother of two who loved animals and never hesitated to strike up a conversation with a stranger, family said.

A vicious beating on Feb. 16 — at the hands of her boyfriend, authorities allege — and the resulting brain injury left the 53-year-old unable to walk, stand or hold conversation with loved ones.

"Her mind, she was like a very small child learning to do everything over again," Cook's mother, Betty Murray, 74, said.

Cook fought for four months until her body gave out on June 9.

Still grieving her loss, Cook's parents and relatives now prepare to seek justice from Chad Ortolano, the man arrested and accused of taking her life.

Despite signs of physical and emotional abuse

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