Obituaries

Barbara J. Cook

Barbara J. Cook

Barbara J. Cook, 86, passed away at her home on May 4, with her husband of over 62 years, Walter, by her side. She is survived by her husband; her daughter, Judith Palmer of Germantown, Tenn.; her sons, Michael Cook of Alameda, Calif., and Walter Cook Jr. of East Hampton; and her brother, Robert Ketcham of East Marion. She was blessed with four grandchildren and three great-grandchildren.

She was born March 21, 1924, in New York City to Robert and Erna (nà e Howell) Ketcham. After graduating from Greenport High School, she attended the State Teachers College at New Paltz, where she earned her degree in teaching.

She married Walter J. Cook on March 28, 1948, in Greenport. They lived together in the same home in East Marion for 55 years, where they raised their three children. They loved to travel together, visiting Europe, the Caribbean and Mexico many times over the years.

In 1947, she began a long career as an elementary school teacher, much of which was spent teaching first grade at Greenport Elementary School. As a school teacher, she touched the lives of many. It was a rare occasion when, while visiting Greenport, she would not hear “Hi, Mrs. Cook” from one of her former students.

After retiring in 1986, she began another long career as a volunteer, working at Floyd Memorial Library and the ELIH Opportunity Shop. She continued to volunteer at the Opportunity Shop as part of the “Tuesday Crew” until she was 83 years old, amassing over 4,000 hours of volunteer time.

A graveside service was held Thursday, May 13, at East Marion Cemetery. Arrangements were handled by Horton-Mathie Funeral Home in Greenport.

The family asks that a donation be made to the charity of your choice in lieu of flowers.