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Barnard College University of Wisconsin

Vicki Cobb Obituary

Name: Graveside service for Vicki Cobb
Start: 2023-01-11T10:00:00.000Z
Location: Sharon Gardens

Published by Legacy Remembers from Jan. 9 to Jan. 10, 2023.

Vicki Linda Wolf Cobb, 84, from White Plains, NY died January 8, 2023 in Calvary Hospital in New York City. She was born on August 19, 1938 in New York City to Benjamin (d. 1991) and Paula (Davis) Wolf (d. 1987). Vicki grew up in New York City where she attended The Little Red Schoolhouse in Greenwich Village and then attended high school in Tarrytown, NY. She left high school at 16 years of age, before graduating, to attend the University of Wisconsin as a Ford Scholar. She transferred to Barnard College where she majored in Zoology and earned a Master's degree in Secondary Science Education.

After early careers as a laboratory researcher and science teacher, Vicki became a full-time writer of science books for children. Vicki's prolific body of work of more than 90 books includes Science Experiments You Can Eat (1972) which exemplifies her mastery of bringing settled science to young people. She worked over her career to bring the joy of learning to children over many generations. Vicki was a pioneer in Cable Television in the early 1970's as the host of The Science Game as well as being one of the first group of writers for Good Morning America on ABC. Vicki was the Founder and President of Ink Think Tank, Inc (Innovative Nonfiction for Kids) a company of the best nonfiction authors from K-12 dedicated to bringing non-fiction literature into the classroom. She was a regular blogger for Education Update and the Huffington Post.

Vicki was married to Edward Scribner Cobb (1934 - 2022) from 1960 to 1975 and they had two sons, Theo and Josh. Vicki married Richard Trachtenberg in 1996 and they split time between their home in White Plains and their ski house in Manchester, VT. They were both avid skiers and were fixtures at Bromley Mountain in Vermont.

Vicki is survived by her husband, Richard Trachtenberg, her sons Theo (Rachel) Cobb and Josh (Judy) Cobb, her step-sons David (Gerry) Trachtenberg and Eric (Berett) Trachtenberg, her step-daughter Millie Trachtenberg her sister Elly (Ted) Zabb and 5 grandchildren: Abby (James), Lexi (Sim), Benjamin, Jonny, and Jillian.

Graveside services will be held at 10:00 AM on Wednesday, January 11, 2023 at Sharon Gardens Cemetery, Valhalla, NY. Shiva following will be immediate family members only at this time.

Donations may be made in her name to InkThinkTank (www.inkthinktank.org) or Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center.

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Recent Activity

August 13, 2025

arlene fleming posted to the memorial.

January 3, 2025

arlene fleming posted to the memorial.

January 12, 2023

Fatima Shaik posted to the memorial.

8 Entries

arlene fleming

August 13, 2025

Two years have passed, but thoughts and memories of Vicki are vivid. What an amazing woman and amazing legacy! We will always remember you with love and admiration. And...your books given to my grandchildren are here awaiting the next generation. You will be pleased that one of the grands is an astrophysicist! I recall your conversations with him at Northshire Bookstore when he was three. We will always love you, Arlene

arlene fleming

January 3, 2025

Last year I was filled with shock and sorrow. This year I have been remembering all the good Vicki had done over the years for the children of our country. She touched many with joy and curiosity through her unique methods of approaching science. Also, my thoughts are of Richard and our fun times in VT, always to be remembered. Good health and Happy New Year. Arlene

Fatima Shaik

January 12, 2023

My sincere condolences to your family. I met Vicki in the PEN Children´s and Young Adult Books committee. She was always energetic and generous. I will miss seeing her.

Barbara Lavallee

January 11, 2023

I am so sorry to hear of Vicki´s death. She was an inspiration, a truly gifted thinker and writer and teacher. She was a wonderful friend. The world has lost a star!
Barbara Lavallee

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Ellen Hunter Ruffin

January 11, 2023

I'm SO sorry to lose Vicki Cobb. However, what a legacy she leaves. Just think of all of the young lives she has enhanced with her extraordinary nonfiction books. My condolences go to her boys. Rest well, Vicki.

arlene fleming

January 10, 2023

Vicki was the very best of friends. Always a delight to be with, she and I shared many years of fun and good deep conversations. We partied, skied, partied, talked, partied and shopped and laughed. Most weekends found us eating together at each other's homes. We both enjoyed cooking Northshire Bookstore was one of our favorite places. We both loved our times in VT and our husbands were the best of friends as well. She is remembered in my heart with love forever.

Marlene Shyer

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Esme Codell

January 10, 2023

What a wonderful and inspiring author. Vicki made a difference in the lives of children and teachers through her gift of cultivating curiosity. The world is a better place because Vicki was here. I feel so much gratitude for her contributions and sadness to learn of her passing. Much love and strength to friends and family.

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