Sandra Palmer Cookson

Sandra Cookson, age 88, passed away peacefully on February 2nd in Bedford New Hampshire. She was surrounded by her three children. Sandra was a force to all who knew her, remembered for her inquiring and agile mind, her love and deep knowledge of music and literature, and her love of family.

Sandra was born in Sullivan, Illinois, and was the first in her family who not only attended college but earned advanced degrees. In 1961, she married Frank Cookson, who became Dean of Fine Arts at the University of Connecticut in 1962 and led to their relocation to the East Coast. They raised their three children in Storrs, during which time Sandra launched her own academic journey at UConn. She loved the academic life, frequently hosting cocktail parties for her and Frank’s friends and colleagues to the music of the 60s and 70s and being actively involved in UConn’s vibrant arts culture.

After earning her bachelor’s degree in English literature, this journey was disrupted by the sudden and early death of her husband, but she proved her mettle. In 1981, she earned her Ph.D. in French poetry while maintaining her membership in the Phi Beta Kappa honor society throughout. Her graduation ceremony coincided with her youngest child’s graduation from high school.

After earning her Ph.D., Sandra worked for the UConn School of Agriculture, creating, writing and editing, and searching for her place in academia. She found this place a few years later and started a new life and career at age 50 as a Professor of English at Canisius College in Buffalo, New York. Over a 27-year career she taught, wrote and made a few waves in her department, when she saw a need for more equity within it. True to form, she sought change by becoming the change agent, running for department chair and serving two terms in the role.

Alongside her academic life was her lifelong love of music, especially singing as a member of Buffalo’s Freudig Singers and with St. Joseph’s Church choir. She also volunteered as a docent for many years at the Buffalo Albright Knox museum. Developing a passion for Russian literature and culture took her on two separate cultural exploration trips to Russia; St Petersburg and Moscow. She also traveled to Bruges, Belgium, indulging her Early Music interest in a tour of musical and historical events.

Sandra is survived by her children Karla, Ingrid (Glen Norman, son-in-law) and Matt (Jennifer, daughter-in-law), and grandchildren Daniel and John.