Sandra Larrea Cook, D.D.S., mother of three, died peacefully at her home on February 28, 2025. Doctor Cook excelled in academics throughout her many years of education, graduating salutatorian of her high school class in Sidney, Nebraska, then magna cum laude from the University of Colorado where she majored in anthropology. Sandra enjoyed being a member of the Pi Beta Phi Sorority and fondly remained close to her sorority sisters over the years. Subsequently, Sandra was one of the few female students attending the University of Nebraska College of Dentistry, where she again distinguished herself academically and was remembered as the quiet girl in the back who knit through all her classes. She then completed a two-year residency in endodontics at the University of Iowa, ultimately gaining board certification as one of the first female endodontists in the country.

Doctor Cook practiced endodontics in Phoenix for many years, and served as president of the Arizona Dental Association, before retiring due to the onset of a chronic illness. Retirement brought her to Tucson where she could reside near her children and grandchildren and read, knit, bake and watch the clouds go by in the home lovingly designed for her by her son, Wil. Sandra's final years were spent in the saguaro forest of western Tucson where she could enjoy Arizona's magnificent sunsets and observe the wildlife which she so loved. An avid birder and nature lover, Sandra very much enjoyed her time volunteering at Tucson Audubon Society and as a Sabino Canyon Volunteer Naturalist.

Sandra is survived and dearly missed by her three children: Whitney Peterson, Ph.D. of Phoenix; Wilson Peterson, M. Arch. (Valerie) of Tucson; and Hilary Van Alsburg, J.D. (Michael) of Tucson; her adored seven grandchildren and great-granddaughter; as well as an older sister, Susan Cook Oliver (Bill) of Kodiak, Alaska; and a younger brother, Cactus Cook (Laurel) of Bellingham, Washington, and many beloved nieces, nephews and cousins. In lieu of flowers, kindly consider making a gift in her honor to Old Pueblo Knitters Guild, Tucson Audubon Society, or Sabino Canyon Volunteer Naturalists.