Connie Cook

1948 - 2025

Cook
Connie Cook
November 9, 1948
October 14, 2025

Jessie Constance "Connie" Cook, 76, of Cascade, Colorado, died on October 14, 2025. She lived a life of generosity and service to others, including as a devoted teacher. She was born in Evanston, Illinois, on November 9, 1948. Connie attended Knox College in Galesburg, Illinois, and later transferred to the University of Maryland where she received her education degree. She began her teaching career in Gloucester, Massachusetts, and later moved to Colorado, where she fell in love with the mountains. She taught at The Colorado Springs School, and among other things, worked at a women's safehouse in the city, was active in the Children's Literacy Project, and volunteered with a relief program in the Dominican Republic.
Connie served for many years as a beloved English and Social Studies teacher at Woodland Park High School, always referring to her students as "my kids." She loved poetry, nature, and dogs and was an avid hiker and camper. After retiring, Connie tutored high school students and, most recently, advised juniors and seniors regarding their college application essays.
Connie is preceded in death by her parents, Granville ("Bud") and Billie Cook and is survived by siblings, Allyn Cook Buzzell (David), Carey Cook Donat (Bob), and James F. Cook (Cathy). She was the beloved "Auntie Con" to Randy Buzzell Stockbridge, Emily Buzzell, Bethany Buzzell, and Zachary Buzzell; Caroline Donat, Thomas Donat, and Benjamin Donat; and Allyson Williams and Emily Cook. Connie also delighted in her nine grand nieces and nephews, Sharon Stockbridge, Henry Karpowicz, Conrad ("Connie") and Sloane Buzzell; Lola and "little" Ben Donat; and Bryn, Teddie, and Austen Williams. She will also be greatly missed by her dear cousins, Rich and Scott Sanborn, her dear friend of 40 years, Anne Taylor and family, and many other friends and neighbors. Donations in her memory may be made to the Colorado Wolf & Wildlife Center, Divide, Colorado.