From my mother, Marian D Jaffe:
Bernice and I found each other through our daughters who were classmates and soulmates starting in grade school. After getting to know her, she was irresistable companny....intelligent, fun, with a sense of humor not unlike mine, We enthusiastically became Scout leaders fro our daughters' troup, and, among the year's activities, took them camping. No one had more fun or laughed more than she and I. We were kids again, except we had contingent responsibilities which we shared with joy. My daughter loved Connie and I loved Bernice, and Connie too, of course. 

The Cook family moved away from Portland too soon for us to pal together more than a year or two. The re went my then beswt friend, but I am that much richer for having these blessed memories.

Happy Birthday Aunt Bernice.. I always counted you as one of my favorite Aunts. You are absolutely beautiful not just on the outside but on the inside as well. We Love you and Miss you, Tell Daddy, mom and Uncle Bob hi from Me. I know you are having a great birthday up there with all of them and the Angels.

I have thoroughly enjoyed reading about Bernice, and get a kick out of the small things that have turned into big things over the years, including writing to Bernice 15 years ago. Glad to know all of you, and I'm thinking about you today, on the one-year anniversary of Bernice's passing.

Bob and Bernice Cook were a second pair of parents to me when Connie and I were in high school at Monte Vista in Danville, California. I was always going over there and jumping in their pool and asking "What are you having for dinner?" Mr. and Mrs. Cook were always so supportive of Connie and I and our horse adventures. They were very special people that I loved and will miss forever.

P.S. - Connie was the best daughter ever.

I am so blessed to have known Bernice for even a short while and I am so grateful for the beautiful daughter she brought into this world. I love Connie and her sweet family who have become my family. Bernice is missed and will always be remembered. What a beautiful lady! God love her and bless my dear, sweet Connie, Jay, Sarah & Steven as you process through this time. We love you all! Love, Pam, Paul & Family

Bob and Bernice, or Mr and Mrs Cook to me, seemed to be so in love. I remember driving through the desert in Oregon with Gigi and Fred (the poodles) and Connie and her parents, and one would turn to the other and say "I love you, Cookie." (Bernice and Bob, not Gigi and Fred). The sweetest part was that you never knew which one would turn to the other and say that adoring line.
   Bob and Bernice were so pleasantly relaxed when Connie and I were at Cannon Beach with them. Apparently they trusted us to go off on our own and use good judgement and behave, which we did.
   I have to give the Cooks credit for raising Connie, a wonderful human being. It's very challenging to raise an only child, but they rose to the occasion masterfully. They didn't hover.
   My mother, Marian Jaffe, and Bernice were girl scout leaders. On a sleepover with all of us girls, my mom and Bernice, our leaders, got the giggles, which they just couldn't suppress.
   The Cook family was an important part of my childhood. Recently, I walked by their home in Portland, having not seen it in decades. I have fond memories of that warm home. They were/are quality people.
   Last but not least, Mrs Cook's Swedish pancakes were out of this world. 
   Celia Jaffe Minkin