Charlotte Harding Cook

Beloved Wife, Friend, Professor, and Steward of Community

Charlotte Cook, cherished wife of Craig Rakela, passed away peacefully on February 16, 2026, leaving behind a legacy of kindness, deep empathy for the less fortunate, and joy in living with family and friends.

Charlotte and Craig made their home in Sacramento, California. They were also long-time summer residents of Aquinnah, Massachusetts, where Charlotte’s welcoming spirit and warm hospitality were known to many. She formed enduring friendships in both locations and was known for her community engagement and sincere interest in the lives and well-being of others.

Born on February 16th, 1939, in New York City, Charlotte moved with her family to Princeton, NJ, after 4th grade. Charlotte inherited her enthusiasm for and commitment to community service from her father, Thomas P. Cook, who was a respected lawyer, public servant, and devoted alumnus of Princeton University. Charlotte attended Miss Fine’s school before enrolling in Wellesley College. She graduated from Wellesley in the class of 1960 with a major in art history.

After college, Charlotte worked for Time, Inc., in New York, and obtained two Masters’ degrees, one from Teachers College of Columbia and one from Peabody College of Vanderbilt. Subsequently, she earned her doctorate in Special Education at the University of Oregon, specializing in the education and treatment of individuals with severe developmental disabilities. Charlotte then became a professor of Special Education at the California State University of Sacramento, where she taught until retirement. She was elected by her peers to be President of the Academic Senate for two years. As a much respected and beloved teacher, Charlotte was skilled in communicating not only her subject matter knowledge but also the importance and human impact of education. In her later years at the University, she co-founded the Office of Community Collaboration and subsequently administered it herself. She developed and directed the university’s community service program, linking students with the needs of businesses, schools, and community organizations in the greater Sacramento area.

Charlotte had the good fortune to marry Craig in 1981. She cherished him with her whole heart, even during her last year in which she was afflicted by progressive loss of memory and speech. Her partnership with Craig and their mutual devotion was an inspiration to all who knew them.

Charlotte’s personal life was marked by a passionate commitment to her loved ones and to fostering opportunity for others. Her generosity and compassion were extended to animals, especially many adopted dogs who were a source of companionship and joy. Charlotte supported initiatives that helped students in Africa to access schooling, sponsoring several students through to higher education. She also sponsored foreign students who attended her university, launching several on successful careers in the United States.

Charlotte brought joy and comfort to all who knew her. Verbally adept and clear thinking, she loved a lively conversation and genuine, thoughtful exchanges of ideas about things cosmic or mundane. She had a rare gift for making people feel seen and valued, and she would go to great lengths to help anyone in need—whether a close friend, family member, neighbor, or stranger. Her intelligence, kindness, wisdom, and generous spirit will be dearly missed. Her legacy lives on in the hearts of her students, extended family, friends, and all those whose lives were enriched by her warmth and generosity.

In addition to Craig, Charlotte is survived by her brother, Thomas Cook Jr. of Eugene, OR, and her sister, Louisa Cook Moats of Sun Valley, ID, her grand-niece Charlotte Cook Moats, and two great-grand nieces.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to causes supporting environmental stewardship, educational access for students in Africa or causes supporting our community — three passions that reflected Charlotte’s heart and values.

Plans for a memorial could be at least two or three months away, depending on the availability 
of people coming from different parts of the country. Please check this site in the future for a date.