Alta Margaret Cook

Alta Margaret Cook

Iowa City

God, family, and friends were the true passion of Alta Margaret Cook’s life. Alta was a dear mother, grandmother, sister, and aunt who was welcomed into God’s promised kingdom of everlasting life on Nov. 3, 2023, after having lived 90 wonderful years.

Alta was born on a farm in Iowa County, Iowa, on Oct. 6, 1933, to her loving parents, Joseph Peter Duffy and Laura Gertrude (Schulte) Duffy. She was the youngest of five siblings. Her paternal great grandparents were among the first settlers along Old Man’s Creek in Holbrook, Iowa.

Alta attended grade school in Iowa City and graduated from City High School as Salutatorian in 1952. She received her B.A. degree in English Education in 1956 from the University of Iowa and began her first teaching assignment in Newton, Iowa. When she

returned to Iowa City, she taught English at Central Junior High School, while also overseeing the production of several student talent shows. Alta considered Central a wonderful school with great teacher camaraderie and students who possessed a wonderful work ethic.

While teaching, she received her M.A. degree in Guidance and Counseling from the University of Iowa in 1964. Graduate school was also where she met the love of her life, James Andrew Cook, whom she married on Dec. 26, 1964. She often commented that “Jim was the best thing I got out of summer school!” Alta continued her 37-year teaching career at City High School. She enjoyed working with her colleagues and challenging her students while receiving an Ed. S. degree in Educational Administration from the University of Iowa in 1981. The union of Alta and James welcomed three beautiful children, Celeste, Chrissy, and Robert, who were the pride and joy of her life.

Alta was a recipient of several educational awards including: KGAN’s Golden Apple Award for Outstanding Educator in 1990; recognitions from the State Board at Public Instruction as an Outstanding Teacher and candidate for Iowa Teacher of the Year; and a recipient of multiple award nominations from her students. She enjoyed writing and had several editorial articles published in local newspapers. Alta was also inducted into City High’s Hall of Fame. Alta was a member of St. Mary’s Church, the Johnson County Retired School Personnel Association, the Red Foxes Chapter of the Red Hats, and a member of Delta Kappa Gamma. After educating over 5,500 students, Alta retired in 1995 after a very rewarding career.

Alta thoroughly admired her husband and lovingly cherished her three children. She had a great respect for her own parents’ perseverance during the Great Depression. She took great pride in her own siblings and all their amazing contributions to society. The greatest joy of her life was her grandchildren and she spoiled them rotten! Alta’s favorite interests included decorating with flowers for events, singing church hymns at St. Mary’s, promoting the Knights of Columbus, shopping a good sale, eating a hot dog while at the ball park, collecting antique jewelry, hearing “Pomp and Circumstance” at commencements, enjoying sunsets and rainbows, observing cardinals and squirrels in her backyard, going for a drive to Northeast Iowa in the fall, eating fish sandwiches from McDonalds, visiting Las Vegas with a bit of gambling included, and maintaining a vice for all things chocolate!

Alta is dearly missed and forever cherished by her three children, Celeste (Dave) Vincent, Chrissy (Mark) Chambliss, and Robert (Beth) Cook; and her five grandchildren, Wesley Klein-Cook, Katrina Chambliss, Collin Cook, Blake Chambliss, and Laci Chambliss; sister-in-law Nancy Duffy; along with numerous nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her loving husband Jim, treasured infant grandson Brandon, her adoring parents, and her beloved siblings and spouses; Elizabeth (Bud) Larson, Robert (Mary) Duffy, Charles (Joyce) Duffy, and Emery Duffy.

Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 10 a.m. Thursday, Nov. 9, 2023, at St. Mary’s Catholic Church, Iowa City. Visitation will be Wednesday, Nov. 8, 2023, from 4 to 6:30 p.m. at Lensing Funeral & Cremation Service, Iowa City.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be directed to the Regina Foundation or the Foundation for the Iowa City Community School District.