Katherine "Kathy" Cook

Katherine “Kathy” Cook, age 68, of Longboat Key, Florida, passed peacefully into the presence of her Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ after complications from pancreatitis, on December 7, 2025. Kathy was born on June 7, 1957, at Whitman Air Force Base in Warrensburg, Missouri, to Barbara and David Cook, and was welcomed by her older sister, June Ghrist. She spent most of her life in Southern California, where she built a meaningful career in education, deep friendships, and a life marked by compassion and joy. For 20 years, Kathy served as a special education teacher at Fullerton Union High School, where she poured her heart into her students. Known for her patience, advocacy, and her extraordinary ability to see the best in every young person, she made a lasting impact on countless lives. Her classroom was a place of dignity, understanding, and unwavering care. Beyond her career, Kathy’s magnetic personality made her unforgettable. She had a presence that lit up every room she entered—joyful, silly, adventurous, and effortlessly fun. She had a rare gift for making everyone feel seen and valued, and she could become best friends with anyone, whether she had known them for years or met them just moments before. Her warmth, humor, and zest for life drew people in and made every gathering brighter. To her nieces and nephew, Kathy was the favorite aunt—the one known for laughter, spontaneity, and creating memories filled with wonder. Loving deeply and fully was simply who she was. In 2020, after retiring, Kathy moved to Longboat Key, Florida, drawn by her love for the ocean and her cherished friendship with her best friend, Lisa. Her years there were filled with sunshine, beauty, and peace. Above all, Kathy was defined by her deep and abiding love for Jesus. Her faith shaped every part of her life—how she loved, served, persevered, and how she hoped. She believed wholeheartedly in the gospel, and she carried the love of Christ into every relationship and every season. Those who knew her take comfort in knowing she is now fully healed and at home with her Savior. Kathy is survived by her mother, Barbara Cook; her sister, June Ghrist; her nieces Elisabeth “Liz” Crawford, Ruth-Ellen Gergus, Grace Easterbrook; her nephew Paul Silva; their spouses; her eight great-nieces and great-nephews; cherished friends; and all those whose lives were brightened by her presence and transformed by her love. A celebration of her life and faith will be held on Saturday, December 13, in Sarasota, Florida. In lieu of flowers, the family encourages donations to His Girls Ministry (hisgirlsdiscipleship.org) and Chosen People Ministries (www.chosenpeople.com/give.) both ministries that she cared for deeply and supported faithfully. The greatest gift you could give in Kathy’s honor is to place your hope and trust in Jesus Christ, who loves you, paid the penalty for your sin, and welcomes all who come to Him into a life-giving, eternal relationship. Kathy’s adventurous spirit, joyful laughter, magnetic kindness, and unwavering faith will remain forever in the hearts of all who loved her. “Well done, good and faithful servant.” -Matthew 25:21

Katherine "Kathy" Cook

June 7, 1957 - December 7, 2025