I just realized that today is your birthday. A few weeks ago I was at the MRA national conference and thought of you a number of times. I miss your smile, beauty, grace, charm and ability to always fight. I miss you and wanted you to know that.

Merrill

The thing I will miss most about Jane, however, is her incredibly infectious laugh, which came right out of the Iowa heartland that she so loved. It was just one of the ways she could calm her surroundings. And there were times at Board Meetings when it came mighty handy.

Jane and her family are in my prayers.

Joe Ottaviani

My thoughts and prayers are with Jane’s family, she treasured each of you so much.

Linda Brazel

Jane you will be greatly missed, and never forgotten. Thank you for all you have done to inspire us all.

I don’t even know where to begin. Over the last week, I have started to write, then stop as I cannot seem to find the words that express my feelings. The most consistent word that I’m able to get out is DAMN, DAMN, DAMN!.

This is so unfair and I’m so sorry for you and for all who have been touched by you as well as those who may never have the opportunity to know you and to feel your strength and enjoy the warmth of your smile.

I know you are not taking this “laying down” – I know you are fighting and you are fighting hard. Please know if you need someone to help you fight – someone to just yell at and share those angry feeling- I’m here for you

You are a very special lady and you are dearly loved.

Connie

Words hardly do justice, but perhaps knowing that you are in the thoughts of so many whom you have touched in the course of a generous and helpful career will enable you and your family to capture the true meaning of “well done.”

Jennifer on behalf of Rob, Katy and Robbie

JANE MARIE BORG COOK

After a nine and a half-year struggle with breast cancer, Jane Marie Borg Cook passed away peacefully on August 9, 2008 surrounded by her loving family.

Jane is survived by her husband of nearly 38 years, Rob of Cedar Rapids, daughters Jennifer Davis (Mark) and grandson Drake of Denver, Colorado, Katy of Arlington, Virginia, and son Robbie and fiancée Jenni White of Edina, Minnesota. Also surviving are her parents, Arnold and Thelma Borg of Marion, sister Julie DuFaux (Al) of Tampa, Florida, mother-in-law Josephine Cook of Cedar Rapids, sisters-in-law Valissa Berg (Jeff) of Marion, Nancy Cook of Fairfield, Jacque Cook of Brooklyn, New York and Faun Robken of Iowa City, as well as numerous nieces and nephews, including special niece Jody VanHove of Marion.

Jane was born on June 17, 1950 in Newhall, Iowa. Her family moved to Cedar Rapids when she was in the sixth grade. She graduated from Washington High School. In 1972 she graduated from the University of Iowa with a Bachelor of Arts in French and Spanish, after which she began her first career as a teacher at Wilson Junior High School. Following the birth of her first child, Jane retired from teaching and began her second career as a community volunteer. Later in 1993, she received her MBA from the University of Iowa.

Jane was a recognized leader, and she left a significant legacy in the community. In 1982 she was a founder of Leadership for Five Seasons, a program of the Cedar Rapids Chamber of Commerce. Twenty-five years later, over 800 participants have graduated from the program, better informed about the community and its needs. She also served for six years as a charter trustee of Brucemore. As the first program chair, Jane was responsible for establishing the public program philosophy that Brucemore uses to this day. She served as a board member and then as president of the Junior League of Cedar Rapids from 1980-1989. In addition, from 1999-2004 she served as a board member and then as president of the Cedar Rapids Area Convention and Visitors Bureau. Jane was deeply committed to the Cedar Rapids Community Schools and served in numerous volunteer capacities. Most notable was her work as the chair of the 1998 Blue Ribbon Task Force.

When her children entered school Jane embarked on her third career – that of corporate executive. In the first few years she worked with Epley Marketing Services and then with Telecom *USA Database Marketing as a writer, editor and manager of research and database marketing. In 1990, Jane was hired by Frank N. Magid Associates as director, Field Operations and later vice-president, Business Strategies. In this executive position she managed contracts for Fortune 1000 clients and worked with others in the creation of new products. Jane’s professional abilities were recognized across the country. From 1994-2007 she served as president, treasurer and board member of the Marketing Research Association, a 3,000-member international association representing all segments of the market research profession.

Jane joined the Cedar Rapids Chamber of Commerce board of directors in 2007. Although her tenure was brief, her influence was great, as she led a community economic assessment effort that concluded this June. In 2006 until shortly before her death she was a consultant for IGD Industries. She was a member of First Presbyterian Church of Cedar Rapids and the first female vice-president and president-elect of the Cedar Rapids Country Club. In addition to her professional and volunteer commitments, Jane held dear her fellowship with Birthday Club, Book Club and FFF (Five Friends Forever).

With all of these successes in her professional life, Jane’s greatest accomplishment and joy was her family. She and her husband of 38 years raised three children and she considered them to be her greatest legacy. She loved nothing better than spending time with her children, husband, parents, and other extended family. Despite working full time and being a full-time student, Jane never missed a swim meet, basketball game or concert. As her family grew to include her children’s spouses and a grandson, Jane was thrilled at her expanding family. She was the center of her family and will be greatly missed.

In lieu of flowers, the family invites memorial contributions to the Jane Borg Cook Endowment, Greater Cedar Rapids Community Foundation, 200 1st St. SW, Cedar Rapids, IA 52404.

Jane will be remembered for her radiant beauty inside and out, her love for family, friends and community, and for her indomitable spirit that touched the lives of all who knew her.

You have amazing courage and I admire that so much. My thoughts and prayers are with you during this difficult time.

Jackie