Alberta Crook — 1926-2012
Alberta Crook passed away Sept. 5, 2012, 16 days shy of her 86 birthday, in her beloved Maui, with close friends by her side.
Born and raised in the Los Angeles area, Alberta was stricken with polio and spent part of her teenage years in an iron lung. The impact of this dreadful disease affected her ability to walk throughout her life, but to her it was just an inconvenience, not an obstacle.
After marrying the love of her life, Roy Crook, they continued to work in the LA area until deciding to move to South Lake Tahoe in 1970 with her mother and her aunt. Alberta and Roy cleaned houses, yards, and did whatever work they could find in their new environment. She was encouraged to get a real estate license by Opal Howell of Howell Realty. This was the beginning of her new career.
Alberta Crook
Within two years she joined Tamarack Realty, where she met L.J. Logan and David Kurtzman. After less than a year the three of them decided to go out on their own, and opened Aspen Realty on Nov. 1, 1973. Slowly the business grew into a strong, successful local business, due in part to her common-sense approach to simply taking care of people as a daily guide.
She continued her real estate career until her retirement in 1994. A few years later she and Roy moved permanently to Papakea Resort in Maui, their second home since the late1970s.
Alberta served hundreds of clients during her 24-year real estate career, and she served her profession as a Board of Realtors director and president. Not only was she successful in business, but also she was a community leader, serving on the Board of Directors and president of the South Lake Tahoe Chamber of Commerce, Barton Hospital Foundation, and Barton Auxiliary.
One of her simple joys was being a notary public and refusing to accept payment, but asking for a donation to the Lake Tahoe Humane Society. She also could sign a check “A. Crook” and get it cashed. She enjoyed cruising with Roy, parties with friends around her miniature pool table, and an evening cocktail.
She leaves behind many Tahoe and Maui friends including those she treated as family at Aspen Realty. Whenever Mother Crook said, “never mind” you knew the conversation was over. At the end of the day we are all better having had the opportunity to know and work with Alberta Crook, a true friend.
A traditional Hawaiian service will be at 10am, Sept. 21, her 86 birthday, at Papakea where her ashes will be spread at sea, joining Roy’s. The next time you see a Hawaiian sunset, remember that Alberta and Roy are smiling back with a wink and saying, “thanks for remembering us.”
A kinder, nicer person hard to find. You were a joy to be around. Thanks for the memories.
I knew Alberta for over 30 years, there may have been a “nicer” person out there,but I never met them
From one polio survivor to another you will be missed R.I.P.
We lived across the street from Roy and Alberta in the early 80’s. They were the gentlest, kindest people – always positive and uplifting! Wonderful role models for us all. Dan & Liz Norman
Cheryl and I were fortunate enough to meet Alberta and Roy in the mid 70’s when we managed Bender’s Marina. In 1978, when we started Lake Tahoe Wildlife Care, Alberta was very intrigued with the work we did in rehabbing the local wild birds and animals and always had some kind words to send our way. We too will miss the occasional notes from her. God Bless!
Alberta was one of the first Realtors that I remember coming into the office when I first went to work at Placer Title. We just loved having her visit – her smiling face, and the laugh – I remember her laugh the most! Rest in Peace Alberta, you will be very missed!
She was an inspiration and strength to me in my real estate
career. She was a great teacher and guide. But most of all
she was a very fine and honorable individual. i will remember
her fondly.
Carolyn Meiers
No mention of her service on LTCC board-great lady!