Margaret Cook, meticulous and fair letters editor, dies

It takes a particular kind of person to be a great letters editor for a newspaper. Patience, an attention to detail, a commitment to fairness and an enjoyment in talking to readers every day. Margaret Cook, 71, who died earlier this month suddenly and unexpectedly, was the epitome of a great letters editor.

She worked for The Age for 30 years, in various roles including education, and was a letters editor for 15 years before retiring in 2023. Letter writers to newspapers are passionate, with strong views. Margaret was fair to a fault. Even if editors would have preferred fewer letters on an especially controversial topic, Margaret would publish if that’s what readers wanted to talk about.

She was a conduit to and advocate for readers, and knew more than most what they cared about. If readers wished to criticise an Age story or editorial, Margaret had a duty to publish. She was calm, always polite, and it was hard to argue with her.

“Margaret always exhibited diligence and empathy in equal parts – both marvellous traits for a letters editor,” Age editor Patrick Elligett said.

“What many Age readers might not know is that Margaret gave them an influential voice within the newsroom, constantly delivering feedback to senior editors on their behalf.

“Her regular updates on reader sentiment made us a better newsroom, more attuned to the opinions of Victorians.”

Her younger sister, Rose Swindon, said Margaret was a private person, who separated her work life, which she loved, with her interests outside the office. As a young woman, she was a teacher “for five minutes” until she knew it didn’t suit her. She was a secretary for a time, before beginning work as a journalist at Leader newspapers. She resigned from that job in 1992 and joined The Age, where she remained until her retirement.

“She loved doing the letters, and conversing with people, double checking things,” said Rose. “She was very good because she crossed every t and dotted every i.”

Outside work, Margaret loved the vibrancy of Northcote, and lived in her apartment for about 30 years. She adored Italy, and was learning Italian. She enjoyed theatre and going out. She loved to travel and was busy planning her next trip. She had many friends, never married, and was a devoted aunt to Rose’s children, niece Eloise and nephew Alexander, who was her godchild.

And she loved books. “She adored reading – there must be 2000 books in her flat,” said Rose. “She knew every book, every author,” from political biographies, to crime books and novels.

Margaret was popular in the newsroom, always impeccably dressed and friendly to all. On an Age alumni site on Facebook, responses to the news of her death included: “She was such a gem. Even critique or frustration was delivered with such poise and dignity (and a hint of mischievousness)” ; “kind and professional”; “a lovely presence in the newsroom”; “completely dedicated to whatever task she was engaged in”.

Rose said her sister’s funeral would celebrate her rich life. Margaret loved colour and brought back bold costume jewellery whenever she travelled. There will be flowers, “and they have to be bright”.

Margaret is survived by her sister Rose, brother Robert, and niece Eloise and nephew Alexander. Her funeral will be held on Thursday in Ivanhoe.

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