Cook, Constance 'Connie' Margaret

Constance “Connie” Margaret Cook, 68, passed away peacefully at home, with her husband Steven at her side Dec. 20, 2011, leaving behind a love for her family, her church and her work.

Connie was born Sept. 5, 1943, in Dell Rapids, S.D., the daughter of Nic J. and Elizabeth (Kirpas) Penning. A graduate of St. Mary Catholic School in Dell Rapids and the National College of Business in Rapid City, S.D., Connie moved to Iowa City, with a job at Mercy Hospital. She remained at Mercy for nearly four decades, serving as a secretary and later as staffing coordinator.

Connie and Steven were married July 5, 1975, Connie from eastern South Dakota, Steven from central Iowa. The two had a chance meeting at a singles event in Iowa City in 1974 and were together thereafter.

Connie was a longtime and devoted communicant of St. Thomas More Catholic Church in Coralville, where she worked to pass on her faith to younger members through leading religion classes. She continued that work even in the weeks preceding her passing.

A master seamstress, Connie spent much of her free time sewing, knitting and quilting. She sewed pants and shirts for family, fixed jackets and coats for friends and ensured wedding dresses were perfect for countless brides. Connie also loved her country music and her Chicago Cubs. She took up her love of baseball after her son Steven Jr. found the game as a youth.

Connie is survived by her husband, Steven Sr.; their children, Steven Cook Jr. and Rachael Ayers-Arnone, along with Steven Jr. and Rachael's spouses, Laurie (Schwarz) Cook and Anthony Arnone, and two grandchildren, Elizabeth and Jack Ayers.

One of 14 siblings, Connie is also survived by four brothers and six sisters, along with numerous nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her and husband's infant daughter, Elizabeth; by Connie's parents; and three brothers.

Visitation will be held Friday, Dec. 23, from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. at St. Thomas More Catholic Church in Coralville, with the funeral Mass beginning at 1 p.m. The Rev. Walter Helms will officiate. Burial will be Monday at St. Mary's Cemetery in Dell Rapids, S.D.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorials be directed to St. Thomas More Catholic Church or The Muscular Dystrophy Association.

Online condolences can be directed to

Published Dec. 22, 2011, in The Gazette