A Legacy of Light and Love

A message from the Alpine Valley School Board of Trustees: 

It’s no exaggeration to say that Connie always had a smile for everyone and made you feel like you were the one brightening her day. The phenomenon that was Connie Cook could really only be experienced: words, all words, fall far short of conveying who she was and how she touched our lives. That said, here’s a taste of the warm presence Connie still holds in our hearts…

My first memory of Connie was in our initial tour of AVS in 2007.  My daughter struggled with crying a lot, and I was mentioning this to Connie near the end of the tour.  Connie asked what she would like for her to do if she cried.  Honestly, I was stunned that a "teacher" or adult would be so thoughtful and considerate!  Connie was so kind and spoke to her with such respect.  My last memory of Connie was at the Board Retreat.  I shared that I had always thought I was not "good" with kids.  I can't remember her exact words, but it was something along the lines of "Well, that might be something to look at again."  Whatever her exact words, Connie looked right into my eyes and I felt very empowered — this, in spite of how ill she was. Gentle, peaceful, intelligent, trustworthy, kind, honest—full of integrity—what a gift of a human being!

Colleague, friend, shining example of a grounded, compassionate person: the irony is that Connie is one of the very first people I would go to for help in processing such a painful loss. She was always generous, always gentle — in more than 25 years, I never saw her angry or down. And she was as humble and hardworking as she was kind: no matter the task, whether difficult, unpleasant, or outside her comfort zone, Connie quietly threw herself into doing whatever needed to be done. She wasn’t one to brag, but I’ve known almost no one in my life who glowed with such love for everyone, who gave so readily. Losing Connie is like losing a piece of myself. I can only take comfort in the fact that she did so incredibly much to build this school into the community it’s become that her legacy is sure to live on in the hundreds of lives far richer and better because of her.

What stands out most to me when thinking about Connie is the effortless way she could make you feel better regardless of how you were feeling before talking to her. She was always happy to see you, and talk about your day or anything you were going through. She radiated comfort and kindness and happiness that you got to soak up while in her presence. I remember her saying that being a staff member at AVS was the best job she ever had, and I don't think anyone else could have filled her role there as well as she did. 

As you can see, Connie had a unique ability to make people feel welcome and supported. For so many of us, love for Connie and for AVS has always been intertwined and powerful. We, the board of Alpine Valley School, invite you to participate in this year’s Colorado Gives Day campaign honoring Connie Cook by making a donation in her name. Help us celebrate Connie’s warm, magical presence and further her legacy of light and love.