Patricia Ann Cook

Dr. Patricia (Parker) Cook, 88, of Indianapolis, passed away on August 16, 2015. She was an author and Professor Emeritus at the University of Indianapolis, and founder of the Miriam Bender Learning Center. Dr. Cook received her B.A. at Marian College, her M.S. from Butler University and her Ph.D. in 1973 from Purdue University. She was recognized as the Indianapolis Star's Woman of the Year in 1986 and as Marian College's Distinguished Alumnus that same year. Dr. Cook was born on May 21, 1927, the daughter of Raymond and Corinne Parker. She married professional baseball player Art Cook in 1954; he died in 1995. Dr. Cook was a wonderful, exemplary mother to two sons, a beloved grandmother to four grandchildren, an inspiration to many nieces, nephews and former students. She was also a devoted friend to her co-founder at the Bender Learning Center, Dr. Nancy E. O'Dell, who was her tennis partner in many victorious local and regional tournaments. There will be a Mass of Christian Burial at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, September 19, 2015 at Holy Spirit Catholic Church, 7243 E. 10th Street, Indianapolis, her home parish. Dr. Cook's family will receive friends from 9:30 AM until the service time at Holy Spirit. Memorials may be given in her memory to the Arthur B. Cook Scholarship at the University of Indianapolis, 1400 E. Hanna Ave., Indianapolis, IN 46227 or online at www.uindy.edu/giving