Catherine R. "Pippen" Cook, 83

Catherine R. "Pippen" Cook
October 8, 1942 – July 1, 2026

It is with profound sadness that we announce the passing of Catherine R. "Pippen" Cook, who died peacefully on July 1, 2026, at the age of 83. A devoted wife, mother, grandmother, sister, aunt, and friend, Pippen lived a life defined by kindness, generosity, service, and an unwavering dedication to her family and community.

Pippen was born on October 8, 1942, at Randolph Air Force Base in Texas to Catherine Niland McDonough and Dr. Francis Edward McDonough. Her father served as a Lieutenant Colonel and flight surgeon in the Army Air Corps in the Pacific for more than two years during World War II, while her mother enjoyed a distinguished career as a real estate broker serving the Brookline and Newton communities for more than 30 years.

Raised in West Newton, Massachusetts, Pippen spent each summer with her family in Wyoming at The Divide Sheep Camp, also known as Niland's Cabins, a ranch on the Little Snake River in Carbon County. Those summers instilled in her a lifelong love of the outdoors, adventure, and the enduring importance of family.

She graduated from Newton High School in 1960 and earned a Bachelor of Science degree from the University of Wisconsin in 1964, majoring in Zoology with minors in Chemistry and Anthropology.

Inspired by a desire to serve others, Pippen joined the Peace Corps, serving in Malawi from 1965 to 1966. There, she taught science and physical education, forming lifelong friendships while gaining a deep appreciation for service, education, and different cultures.

Following her return to the United States, Pippen worked as an executive assistant from 1968 to 1979 with different companies such as Columbia Cornice Company, National Shawmut Bank, and the Federal Home Loan Bank of Boston.

In 1972, Pippen met the love of her life, Leonard "Lenny" Cook. They were married on December 16, 1972, at First Parish Church in Framingham, Massachusetts. Two years later, they settled in Dover, MA, where they raised their children, Chris and Carolyn ("CC"), and became deeply involved in the life of their community.

Pippen's commitment to Dover was extraordinary. She served on the Dover School Committee from 1983 to 1985, including as chairperson, before being elected to the Dover-Sherborn Regional School Committee, where she served from 1985 to 1995. She was also a former president of the Dover League of Women Voters and a longtime committee member of the Massachusetts Amateur Horticultural Society Spring Flower Show from 1975 to 1993.

For more than 25 years, Pippen devoted herself to The Dover Foundation, serving as backstage manager for more than 15 community musical productions. In recognition of their decades of volunteerism, she and Lenny received The Dover Foundation's Lifetime Achievement Award in 2005.

Her commitment to helping others also led her to serve as a volunteer Emergency Medical Technician with the Dover Fire Department ambulance from 1985 to 2005. Whether responding to emergencies or working behind the scenes on community projects, Pippen was always willing to lend a helping hand wherever it was needed.

Outside of her many volunteer roles, Pippen found joy on the water. She loved sailing with lifelong friends in Marion, Massachusetts, a place that became even more special after she and Lenny made it their home in 2006. Whether sailing Buzzards Bay, gathering with family, or sharing stories and laughter with friends, she cherished the simple moments that made life rich.

Pippen was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Leonard "Lenny" Cook.

She is lovingly survived by her daughter, Carolyn ("CC") Cook Tellier and her husband, James Tellier, of Natick, Massachusetts; her son, Chris Cook and his wife, Mitzi Cook; her treasured grandson, Tucker Cook, of Point Richmond, California; her brother, Bill McDonough of Sunapee, New Hampshire; her sister, Michelle DeVincent of Naples, Florida; as well as many nieces, nephews, extended family members, and dear friends whose lives were enriched by her warmth, generosity, and steadfast friendship.

Pippen will be remembered for her quick smile, quiet strength, boundless generosity, and genuine concern for others. Through her volunteer service, civic leadership, and unwavering devotion to family and friends, she left every community she touched stronger and more compassionate. Her legacy lives on in the countless lives she influenced and in the love she shared so freely.

A celebration of Pippen's life will be held in mid-August. In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests that donations be made to The Dover Foundation in support of the scholarships and community programs that meant so much to Pippen. TheDoverFoundation.org