Catherine Cook

Catie Cook, formally known as Catherine Peet Cook, passed away on January 31, 2023- just two days shy of her 101st birthday. Dr. Tom Cook passed away December 5, 2020 after his 100th birthday. Since we weren't able to have a celebration for Dad, what more appropriate way to celebrate than to honor both of them together as they were inseparable.

For both of them, what a life! Catie was born in Indianapolis, Indiana on February 2, 1922. George and Vera Peet raised their only child in a house always full of    friends and with plenty of games and laughter. In 1943 Catie graduated from DePauw University in Greencastle, Indiana with a degree in Home Economics. While there she joined Delta Delta Delta sorority.    But most importantly she met Tom Cook there in the chemistry lab (seems appropriate!). Truly a match made in heaven. They were married for 76 years.

Tom Cook (Dad) was born in Hammond, Indiana on March 15, 1920. He and his twin brother, Jim, were raised by George and Naomi Cook. As stated before, Tom went to DePauw University where he studied Premed and was a member of Phi Kappa Psi. After graduating in 1942 he received his medical degree from University of Louisville in 1945. He also served in the US Army Medical Corps. He continued his studies completing his residency in Obstetrics and Gynecology in Philadelphia. However, the biggest milestone was marrying Catie in 1944 in Indianapolis, Indiana.

After Philadelphia they moved to the sleepy town of Orlando in 1953 where Dad started his practice. He eventually became chief of the Ob-Gyn department at Orange Memorial (now Orlando Health) and also chief at Florida Hospital for a time. Dad was serious about his work and his patients. He never stopped learning and studied constantly. He was a friend to all in and outside of his occupation. When they weren't traveling, he loved golf and had a regular foursome that included his brother Jim. Dad and his brother would talk every night recounting each shot! He also had a huge passion for woodworking specializing in furniture but in other aspects as well.    He traveled to woodworking classes each year. He never stopped learning. Nature fascinated him. He would read and read about all aspects of nature but we can say whales were his specialty! And then there was the piano, lesson after lesson for years. We got to know Sentimental Journey way too well! But he loved it. He passed on his positive attitude and curiosity to many but mostly to his family.

Mom had a terrific sense of humor, interested in everything (no kidding!) and could beat almost anyone in Trivial Pursuit and numerous other card and board games that she played. She was active in the Orange County Medical Auxiliary, a member of the Orange County Artist Guild and the Florida Genealogy Society. She was an accomplished artist (watercolor and acrylics, mostly) and studied under Hal McIntosh. She was very proud of that association and it affected her artistry work significantly. She has passed that love of art through the family even all the way to her great-grandsons. Mom and Dad traveled the world together and formed a bond that few people experience. It is hard to write without including them both in the same sentence! However, the most important thing in her life was her family. They had two children, George (Ginny) and Jan (Britt recently passed away), four grandkids- Julie (Trent) in Midlothian, VA, Dan in Charleston, SC, Chloe (Jonathan) in Los Angeles, CA and Claire in Orlando. They also    had two great grandkids- Dakin and Maddox both in Midlothian. Everyone felt loved. Mickey Cook who was married to Tom s twin brother Jim was always so important in Caties and Toms lives. Mom and Dad also loved their niece Suzy (Mike) and all of their kids.

Family vacations were the best. They would take us to all kinds of different adventures. Some places we would never think of going such as Iceland (before it became the tourist destination), Costa Rica (same), a dude ranch in Colorado (same) and many others. Everyone was included as the large number of photos and memories that we have can attest to. This great tradition continues still in honor of them.

In later years they moved to Westminster Towers where they thrived. They stayed active in several bridge groups, a Bible study and participated in numerous activities there and around town.

We remember so many laughs and stories. We couldn't t have asked for better parents, grandparents, great-grandparents and friends.

Following this service there will be a reception at the home of Jan Beemer. 

Mom liked flowers but we think she would be much happier that if you felt you wanted to do anything to honor her a donation could be forwarded to The First Presbyterian Church (106 E. Church St 32801) or The Westminster Retirement Communities Foundation (80 W. Lucerne Circle, Orlando 32801).

We will miss Mom and Dad. You re never fully prepared    for this but we can only think of how fortunate we were to be their kids. What a great lady. What a good man. Thanks for everything that you did for your entire family Mom and Dad. Love, George, Jan and all the Family.