Sigma Alpha Iota

PAN PIPES Fall 2019 13 Celebrating Life for Over a Century W ow! 104!!" Yes, that is what was written on the birthday cake for our SAI Atlanta Alumnae Chapter's own Peggy Cobb. Several Atlanta Alumnae sisters sent cards on this momentous May 23, 2019 occasion, and some friends, along with one of Peggy's son, Peter, celebrated with her while eating at a nearby barbecue establishment near her living facility in Sandy Springs, GA. When Peggy Vanstrom Cobb was born in 1915, her parents named her Blanche Eloise aer her mother's best friend. It was later discovered that there was no county registration listed by that name, only "No Name Female." Peggy dropped this parental-given name and went by her preferred name of Peggy which her father called her. Growing up in Lynd County, MN, she attended St. Cloud State University where she earned a degree in art and mathematics. She was an art teacher and a supervisor in the Edina, MN schools. Aer earning a Master's degree in art education from Indiana State University, she taught art in the Indiana State University Laboratory School. In 1943 she married Jacob Cobb of North Carolina. A Navy- enlisted serviceman, his first assignment was in Princeton, New Jersey on the Navy staff at Princeton. Later in Jacob's civilian life, he was a PHD at Peabody College in Nashville, TN. While in Nashville, Peggy taught social studies and mathematics at Ward-Belmont College, a girl's school which later merged with Belmont College and is now part of Vanderbilt University. is program, which was created just for her, lasted one year. Later she and Jacob moved to Terre Haute, IN where Peggy was involved in Sigma Alpha Iota activities as a Patroness in the Terre Haute Alumnae Chapter. Moving to Atlanta to live near family, Peggy has been an member in the Atlanta Alumnae Chapter and attends meetings when able. An interesting and note-worthy event enabled Peggy and her husband to meet President George Herbert Bush. rough a long-time friend, Susan Porter Rose, who was Chief of Staff for Barbara Bush, Peggy and her husband were personally invited to greet President Bush who gave his own tie bar to the Cobb's son. Later the Cobb couple spent some time with Barbara Bush in helping to wrap Christmas gis for the president's staff. Not many people can relate such a story! Peggy and Jacob had three children during their marriage. Peter lives and works in California, Bill lives in Atlanta as an attorney, and Katy, who at 45 years of age, was diagnosed with stomach cancer. e Katy Cobb Music erapy Program at Union Hospital in Terre Haute, Indiana was established in this beloved daughter's memory through funds from friends and relatives. Art, writing, music, and music therapy have been very special passions and interests for Peggy. She has an unending quest to learn something new every day, recalling long ago events, and making a study of the mind and brain. is is evident in her recent study of space and the galaxy, and she has enjoyed visiting the Georgia Aquarium. She states that "as long as I can articulate and can learn something new, it activates some of the dormant brain cells." Some of her other interests include volunteering in several organizations and programs such as Habitat for Humanity, Meals on Wheels, and helping in the public library. Peggy continues to be spry and quick-witted, despite a fall several months ago. Her enthusiasm for life gives her energy, and her ever-present positive outlook on life and sense of humor are quite an inspiration. ose who are fortunate to spend time with this delightful person can only be duly impressed with Peggy's insatiable search for learning and her true interest in life and those around her. Wow! 104 and still going strong!! — Arolue Flemmen Prater, Atlanta Alumnae Chapter MUSIC NOTES Atlanta Alumnae Chapter member Peggy Cobb

• Cover