Barbara Jean (Hays) Cook

Born and raised in Sacramento, Barbara thrived in the hometown she loved and contributed to its growth and betterment. A C.K. McClatchy graduate of the class of '58, and then "Sac State", Barbara, along with her husband, was the co-founder, of Cook Realty, an independent, local real estate company started 48 years ago in Sacramento.

Barbara came from a long line of small business owners with her mother and father, Joanne and David Hays being co-owners of Rainbow Liquor Company. Barbara was also active in the book collecting community for many years and had an online business "Barbara Cook – Modern First Editions" long before Amazon figured out how to do it.

Always interested in the world, Barbara enjoyed many interests. Among them, she enjoyed travelling, she loved going to the movies with her friends, and she was a strong patron of the arts enjoying the Music Circus, the ballet, Second Saturdays and more. Not to be outdone by Covid, she frequented local restaurants as much as possible sitting at outdoor tables and helping them stay open. Barb tended gorgeous begonias in her backyard and had an eye and work ethic in the garden. Barb loved to cook and share meals and was always willing to experiment with flavors and recipes.

Survived by her spouse of 49 years, Frank Cook, and children: Kristin Faust; Trey Bonetti (Luz), Lindsay Filby (Scott), Stephanie Cook and beloved grandchildren Caitlin and Jack, Sojourner, Sierra and Brooke, and Hedwig and Beryllium, to whom she was affectionately known as "Kittyma".

Barbara is also survived by her brother and sister-in-law, David and Mary Hays, and her sister Kathy Hays. She is predeceased by her brother Billy Hays. She had previous marriages to Ed Faust and Fred Bonetti.

Smart, willful, mother, wife, sister, historian, gourmet, lover of kitties, friend to many, and co-chair for the Class of '58 Reunion Committee, a memorial service will be held at Harry A. Nauman & Son Funeral Home in late June to celebrate her life.

The family appreciates all the well wishes and thoughts expressed at her passing. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to : The Music Circus or Restore the Roar at C.K. McClatchy High School in honor of class of '58.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.harryanauman.com for the Cook family.