Kathleen H. Cook

Kathleen H. Cook

Kathy quietly passed away in the evening hours of October 16, 2011 at her home on the Balboa Peninsula. Her adoring husband remained by her side until the end.

She was born on November 20, 1926 in San Antonio, Texas to Kathleen and Will Hadden Sr. and was raised in Fort Stockton.  She attended the School of Nursing at Baylor University in Dallas and later transferred to the University of New Mexico.  While leaving a movie theater on Christmas day in 1946 she met an admirer, Herbert O. Cook Jr.  Before long they were sweethearts and on August 12, 1947 they married in Fort Stockton, Texas.  The newlyweds returned to the University where Kathy gained employment at the school infirmary while Herb played football and earned his degree. 

In 1952 they moved to Long Beach, CA.  As members of the Lakewood Presbyterian Church, Kathy became President of the Women’s Association.  In 1962 they purchased their current home in Newport Beach where Kathy was a lively part of the community.  She and her husband joined St. Andrews Presbyterian Church where they served together as deacons and she was a devoted member of the Covenant Group bible study.  Kathy was an active tennis player, holding memberships at both the Peninsula Point Tennis Club and the John Wayne Tennis Club, where she, on occasion, played bridge with The Duke himself.  She participated in a bridge group and quite often she set-up the card tables to host the ladies in her home. In 1972 she became a member of the Adoption Guild and was elected president in 1980 thereby presiding over the Roy Emerson 19th Tennis Tournament.

Kathy faithfully sought the Lord through prayer and scripture, even in her final days, and looked forward to meeting her savior.  She was love embodied. A dedicated wife, mother, grandmother and great-grandmother who adored her family tirelessly and unconditionally.  She radiated warmth and affection to those around her, gaining innumerable lifelong friendships throughout her life. Her death does not separate her from her family and friends, nor does it steal their memories.  Her light and love timelessly endures in their hearts.

In addition to her husband of 64 years, she leaves behind her daughters Joanne Neal and Lynn West (Richard Diamond); grandchildren Josh (Tina) West and Shayneh (Jason) Starks; three great-granddaughters; brother Roby Hadden.  Preceded in death by four siblings.

A Memorial Service will be held on Friday, October 28th at 1:00 PM at St. Andrews Presbyterian Church, 600 Saint Andrews Rd., Newport Beach.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in honor of Kathleen to the Adoption Guild, P.O. Box 95, Corona del Mar, CA 92625.