Jeanette Cook Smith

Jeanette Cook Smith

12/08/1947- 02/09/2023

Jeanette was born in Toledo, Ohio, to Frederick and Virginia Cook. She was a student at St. Thomas Aquinas Elementary School and Cardinal Stritch High School. After the family moved to Albuquerque in 1963, she attended St. Vincent Academy, graduating in 1965. Jeanette graduated from the University of New Mexico with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Speech and Language Communication, and a double Masters in Speech Pathology and Special Education with an emphasis in Guidance and Counseling. She worked as a speech Pathologist and teacher for the Bureau of Indian Affairs at Zia Pueblo where she delighted the parents and grandparents with yearly musical programs performed by her students. Jeanette lived briefly in Jemez Springs, NM working as a Speech Pathologist at Jemez Valley High School. She retired from Albuquerque Public Schools in 2012, having taught speech and language pathology as well as spearheading a program for at-risk students, which she helped to found. Jeanette was a passionate reader, a lover of classical music, a gifted pianist, and a dedicated gardener.

She is survived by her son Jordan, her brother Donald (Kathy) Cook and her sister Mary Cook. Jordan’s Cousins are Jennifer (Tracy) Vest, Ashley (Nathan) May, and Gregory (Katie) Cook. Jeanette is predeceased by her parents and her brother Frederick (Freddy) Cook who held a special place in her heart. Her family is very grateful for the care she received from the staff of the Retreat in Rio Rancho, Hospice de la Luz, and the steadfast love of her closest friend Christine Brennan.

Jeanette has been cremated. Services will be announced at a later date.