Teresa Lee Cook

Teresa Lee Cook, a beloved wife, mother, grandmother, teacher, and friend, passed away peacefully at home on June 28, surrounded by her family.

Born on December 21, 1954, in Franklin, Indiana to Kenneth Parker Clark and Norma Lou (Peachee) Clark. Teresa grew up in Whiteland, Indiana where she attended high school and later built a life full of love, learning, and service. She earned her undergraduate degree from Ball State University and her Master’s from Indiana University and then had a wonderful 40-year teaching career in the Clark-Pleasant (Whiteland) school district, where she inspired generations of students and helped create countless life long learners. Her passion for teaching seemed to grow each day she was in the classroom.

Teresa met the love of her life, Dennis Cook, on a blind date arranged by her sister Lori and brother-in-law Bob Smelser, and they celebrated their 45th wedding anniversary earlier this May. She was the proud mother of Jeremy (married to Renee; children: Eloise, Harrison, and Theodore), Dylan (married to Christi; son: Parker), and stepdaughter Vannessa Cook. Teresa was the kind of mother and grandmother every child dreams of—full of love, creativity, and surprises. For her children, she was always there with a smile, a rock-steady presence, and unwavering love and affection. Her role as a grandmother lit up her life—whether it was craft projects, planning special holiday celebrations, back-to-school shopping adventures, or making sure each child got a treat from the “Treasure Box” of candy before leaving her house, she poured her heart into every moment with her grandkids.

She was preceded in death by her parents Kenneth and Norma Clark and her sister Lori (Bob) Smelser. She cherished her relationships with her siblings and is survived by Steve (Linda) Jones, Randy (Shelly) Clark, and Kim (Mick) Tillett.

Teresa was widely recognized for her passion for teaching, earning numerous honors including the Lilly Teacher Fellowship, Toyota International Teacher Program, Peyton Manning PeyBack Foundation Award, a McDonald’s Educator Grant, and Fulbright Fellowship. Her influence lives on not only in the lives of her former students, but in her son, Jeremy, who followed in her footsteps to become a science teacher.

She had a passion for travel, visiting 65 countries, with favorites including India and Bali. She cherished her trips to Boston to visit Dylan, Christi, and Parker. She was well known around the neighborhood for her daily 5-mile walks, often wearing one of her many visors. Teresa was a true chocolate fanatic and connoisseur. She and Dennis also loved going out to eat, trying new restaurants, and being regulars at some. More recently, she became an enthusiastic pickleball player who loved spending time with friends and staying active.

She will be remembered for her warmth, joy, and her ability to forge deep, meaningful connections with everyone she met. To honor Teresa’s lifelong love of learning and education, donations may be made in her memory to the Noblesville School Education Foundation at www.noblesvilleschoolseducationfoundation.org

A celebration of Teresa’s life will be held at Prairie Waters (Flanner Buchanan - Hamilton Memorial Park) in Westfield (4180 Westfield Road, Westfield IN, 46062) on Saturday, July 5 at 1:30 PM, with visitation beginning at 11:30 AM.

She was deeply loved and will be dearly missed. Teresa, We love you!