Shirley Hardy Cook's Obituary
Shirley H Cook passed away on March 11, 2017 of natural causes, at home surrounded by her family. She was born on July 18, 1924 in Alhambra California, the oldest of three children. She grew up on the largest dairy farm in Southern California, the Mountain View Dairy. She was editor of her high school newspaper, was active in numerous clubs and activities, held class office, and was valedictorian.Shirley graduated from UC Berkeley with a degree in elementary education and then taught grades 1 – 3 in Chula Vista from 1953 – 1979. She enjoyed a distinguished teaching career, served as President of the Chula Vista Elementary Education Association, the California Retired Teachers Association and received the CVEEA Outstanding Educator award in 1975. When former students would see Shirley around town, they would tell her how much they had enjoyed having her for a teacher.Shirley was a member of PEO International, a philanthropic organization that provides scholarships to women who want to complete their college education later in life. She was a Girl Scout leader for many years and an active member of Chula Vista First United Methodist Church since 1961. In later years she was also a member of Chula Vista Presbyterian Church and St Marks Lutheran Church.Shirley married Vernon Cook in 1956, a native San Diegan and avid train buff. Over the years, they traveled together on railroads all over the U.S. and parts of Europe. As a patriotic American, Shirley was proud of having visited each one of the 50 states. After retirement, Shirley and Vernon were enthusiastic members of the Naughty Netters tennis group.She is survived by Larry Hardy (brother, British Columbia), Marilyn Hardy (sister, Colorado), Sandra Borland (daughter, Carlsbad), Barbara Evans (daughter, Chula Vista), Stacie Beal (granddaughter, Carlsbad), Amber Aura (granddaughter, Virginia), Jimmy Evans (grandson, Chula Vista), Marlie and Mason Beal (great-grandchildren, Carlsbad), and Aidan Gillespie-Aura (great-grandson, Virginia).Her Celebration of Life Memorial service will be held at Greenwood Memorial Park in San Diego on April 13 at 11:00 am in the Garden Chapel.
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