Elizabeth F. Crook

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University of Delaware

Elizabeth Crook Obituary

CROOK, ELIZABETH F., 86, of Rockville, RI, internationally known music educator and author of music textbooks, died Tuesday, May 8, 2007 at home

Born in Slatersville, RI, she was the daughter of the late Town Clerk James H. and Etta (Meade) Crook.

Educated in RI schools, she was a graduate of St. Xavier's Academy, Rhode Island College and completed graduate work at the American Institute of Music Education.

During her career, Beth Crook became known for her leadership role in professional development, having conducted workshops for teachers at colleges and Universities throughout the country. She was an author of widely used textbook series published by Silver Burdett Company, as well as teaching materials published by Edward B. Marks Publishing Company and Rhythm Band Inc.

The recipient of many honors in the profession, Miss Crook was presented with an Excellence in Teaching Award while on the faculty of the University of Delaware. She was also inducted as an honorary member of Kappa Delta Pi and in 1971 she was made a member of Phi Kappa Phi, an honor society recognizing excellence in one's field.

Since her retirement the name Elizabeth Crook was added to the Delaware Music Educators Association Hall of Fame and in 1998, she received the Rhode Island Music Educators Meritorious Service Award.

After retiring from the University of Delaware, Beth Crook returned to Rhode Island and served as a volunteer music teacher at various elementary schools.

She is survived by a brother, James H. Crook of Walpole, MA, two sisters, Sister Eleanora Crook, RSM of North Providence, and Eleanor Guerin of Cumberland and several nieces and nephews. She was the sister of the late John F. Crook.

The funeral will be held Thursday at 9:15am from the O'NEILL FUNERAL HOME, 3102 Mendon Road, Cumberland, with a Mass of Christian Burial at 11am in Saint John The Evangelist Church, 63 Church Street, Slatersville.

Burial will be in Saint Patrick Cemetery, Harrisville. Relatives and friends are invited. Visiting hours Thursday 9:15 to 10:15am prior to the mass. In lieu of flowers, donations to South County Radiation Therapy, 142 Kenyon Avenue, Wakefield, RI 02879, would be appreciated.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by The Providence Journal on May 9, 2007.

Memories and Condolences
for Elizabeth Crook

8 Entries

Mike Vinson

May 29, 2007

Beth and the thought of the Cabin on Wincheck Pond were one in the same for my younger brother Jay and I growing up. Trips as little kids in the mid-70's with Grandmother teaching us how to play Solitaire and eventually as we got older having the "run of the pond" in the Green Canoe or the "Tom (Guerin), Mike, Jay" painted Row Boat. We had great fun visiting Beth and having her visit us each Christmas Eve in CT!

Donna & Rich Williams

May 21, 2007

Ms.Crook will be sadly missed by both my husband Richard and myself Donna J. Williams. Rich has been her oil man for many years and always enjoyed going there and talking with her. We own the home next door to the Wincheck Pond home and I always enjoyed visiting with her when I would come to mow the lawn. I especially enjoyed her Christmas cards with the pictures of her home, birds shrubs and wildlife that she so much enjoyed. Ms. Crook will be sadly missed by both my husband and myself. She was a beautiful lady.

Anne Tatnall Gross

May 20, 2007

I was an undergraduate at the University of Delaware during the long time Beth Crook taught there. She was an extraordinary teacher and mentor. I am now an adjunct professor of music history at that university, and I know Beth would have been pleased to know that.

Maureen Crook Vinson

May 16, 2007

Beth - aunt, friend, mentor, colleague, role model for over 60 years.
Beth helped me personally and professionally. She brought music to the language teachers of CT - thru workshops, classroom visits, rhyme celebrations etc.
Am remembering sooo many "happy hours" (pun intended!) at the cabin and everywhere - vacations in RI, Delaware, Maine, NY City. What fun! And always life lessons to learn - indeed!
Beth was una maestra ejemplar. I miss her mucho.

One of the "Prayers of the Faithful" offered at Beth's funeral liturgy says it all:
"That we who were personally enriched by Beth's life may continue to share her deep faith, her strong spirit, her sense of gratitude, her love of music and nature, and her unfailing commitment to excellence not only in education but in life itself."

Kelli Carini

May 10, 2007

I will forever remember Beth from all the times she visited Hatetokwitit in RI at my uncle's place. She was always kind and full of life.

James Steevenson

May 10, 2007

Beth's contribution to the joy and quality of life in Rockville, Rhode Island and especially her beloved Wincheck Pond has been immeasurable. She will be sorely missed by her many neighbors and friends. Deepest condolences to the entire Crook family members. Sincerely June and Jim Stevenson. Palm City, Florida

Mary Palmer

May 9, 2007

Beth was my mentor and friend. Our many years of exciting work for music education will live on in me and in her many admirers. She was an inspiration as a music educator, a leader, a citizen, and a woman. She will always be a cherished part of my life.

Tyson Harper

May 9, 2007

The Music Editorial Department of Silver Burdett, now Pearson Education, shares this sad loss. We fondly remember Beth as an author, as a friend, and as the summer workshop leader at countless teacher training institutes at universities across the United States. Beth's professional efforts helped to improve music education standards where ever she worked, and she continues to serve as an inspiration to those who will follow in her footsteps.

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