It is with great sadness that we confirm Liz Cooke died this morning at her home in Great Tew. Her son, Ollie, was with her at the time.

Liz was an extraordinary woman who cared deeply about Somerville since coming up to read History in 1964. Her role in alumni relations was transformational, not just for our College but for the Collegiate University. She was in so many ways the quiet, beating heart of Somerville. We owe her a debt of gratitude impossible to repay, and she will be hugely missed.

There will be no funeral, but a private cremation. We will, of course, hold a memorial at Somerville in due course, at which Liz’s many friends and admirers will be invited to pay their respects. We are also inviting Somervillians to sign the condolence book here.

SIGN AND VIEW THE Condolence Book

Liz Cooke

Liz at the Somerville Spring Meeting, 2023

Further reading?

Meet Dale Dorsey, Somerville’s New Tutorial Fellow in Philosophy

Learn More
02 October 2025
Meet Dale Dorsey, Somerville’s New Tutorial Fellow in Philosophy

Somervillian Engineer Elected President of Institution of Engineering and Technology

Learn More
01 October 2025
Somervillian Engineer Elected President of Institution of Engineering and Technology

Fellows and staff celebrate admission of Catherine Royle as Principal

Learn More
30 September 2025
Fellows and staff celebrate admission of Catherine Royle as Principal