Penelope "Pennie" Sylvia Martin Cooke died peacefully in her sleep August 17, 2016, surrounded by her children.


She was born in Minneapolis, Minnesota, July 26, 1940 to Royce Carlyle Martin and Sylvia Gray (Hawe) Martin. She graduated from Rollins College in Winter Park, FL with a Bachelor of Arts, Technical Theater Major, Class of 1962, and a member of the Gamma Phi Beta sorority. While at Rollins, she met and then married Dr. William Pendleton Cooke on August 18, 1961. Pennie was active in children's and community theater, the Owner of the Garlic Press, Inc., known for her green thumb, cat food can floral arrangements, holiday decorating, and other horticultural endeavors; as well as being an exceptionally talented artist and cook. She was also highly involved in her local community; working on the Rollins Alumni Board of Directors and most recently was a member of the Maitland City Council for Parks and Recreation Advisory Committee.


She is survived by her children: Randall Martin Cooke (Peggy), Blake Carlyle Cooke (Sharon), Marla Gray Cooke Lauterette, and Christopher Pendleton Cooke (Apryl); grandchildren: Brittney, James, Thomas, Jacob, and Ethan. She is also survived by her sisters Dede Ewald, and Jocelyn Hurd as well as numerous friends (the extended family) of which she truly cherished.
Pennie expressed that she did not want a formal memorial service and the family is honoring her wish by hosting a celebration of her life on August 28, 2016 – Promptly at 12:00PM until 2:00PM, Tap Room at Dubsdread (in the Florida Room) 549 West Par St., Orlando, FL 32804. Please, no flowers.


Pennie impacted all of our lives in a unique and profound way; each of us will carry a piece of her in our lives forever. She is truly in a better place.


A memorial donation can be made in her name to the COPD foundation at https://copdfoundation.donordrive.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=donate.general