Kathy Cook, beloved mom, nana, and friend went home to be with Jesus on November 7, 2022. She was 69 years old and is survived by her loving daughter and son in law, Stacy Self (Mike Self) and their 3 children Kristen, Ethan, and Noah. She also had 2 sons and 5 grandchildren, Robert Cook and his 3 children, Bryce, Hailey and Gabe and Kevin Cook (Jess Cook) and children Cameron and Caden.

Her Celebration of Life Services will be held on Sunday,November 13, 2022, from 4-6 pm at Wellspring Community Church located at 705 9 th St SE Ruskin, Fl. 33570.

In lieu of flowers, we are accepting donations to Wellspring worship department where she served and played her violin for many years.

Kathy received a master's degree in education and spent most of her professional life teaching orchestra at Braden River High School in Sarasota and Palmetto High School in Palmetto. She was consistently voted teacher of the year.  She impacted countless lives of students over her 26-year career as an educator. She was also a composer and had written multiple songs used by orchestras all over the world.  She loved what she did and always said it never felt like work.  She also played in the Westcoast Florida Symphony for over 2 decades as first chair violinist.

To know Kathy was to love her. She had a sweetness about her that drew people in. She was always happy and laughing and she found joy in the little things, like sunrises and sunsets, watching the moon every night, eating her favorite foods, fresh peaches and cookies, her dog, spending time with loved ones and friends, garage sales, trips to goodwill, long hugs, and practical jokes. She loved going to church and worshipping God.

For the last years of her life, she lived with her daughter and son in law, who cared for her after she was diagnosed with Alzheimer's. These last few years were the sweetest and most beautiful time of her life where she was surrounded by so much love. Kathy carried the light of Jesus in her heart and despite her disease, that light always shined.  She will be deeply missed and loved forever.