Obituary of Kathleen Marie Cooper

Kathleen Marie Kunde Cooper, the oldest daughter of Walter and Helen Kunde, died of a heart attack on Friday, September 12th. She was a loving wife, a caring mother, a giving nurse, and an unconditional friend to everyone she met. Married to Charles Albert Cooper for 67 years, she was his lifetime partner, his confidant, and his protector. They determined together that sacrificing and vigilance in raising, caring for, educating, and supporting their three children would be their highest parental priority. Mrs. Cooper worked at several jobs throughout her life, but found her professional calling in 1973 when she earned her LPN and began her 12-year nursing career. As a liberal Catholic dedicated to respect for all individuals, social justice, and freedom of opinion, Mrs. Cooper befriended neighbors, fellow churchgoers, and other acquaintances. She never met a stranger. Mrs. Cooper was dedicated to cooking, gardening, cheering for Chicago sports teams, and watching classic television programs. She prepared homemade soups, fresh salads, and exceptional coffeecakes. Her children and grandchildren adored her desserts, as did her ever-hungry husband. Flowering plants always decorated Mrs. Cooper's yard, front porch, and front room. She loved mums, begonias, and African violets. Mrs. Cooper was a diehard Chicago White Sox fan, but also supported the Bears, the Blackhawks, and even the Cubs (on behalf of her youngest sister). An avid television viewer, Mrs. Cooper enjoyed watching re-runs of classic dramas such as Perry Mason and Quincy along with courtroom TV shows. She was full of life, always ready for fun, and politically active as a vigorous, life-long Democrat. A highlight in Mrs. Cooper's life was the joy of music. She and her husband appreciated the special music presentations provided each week at St. Mary's Assisted Living Center. With the encouragement and assistance of her family, she developed a large collection of albums and compact discs. Her favorite artists were Jo Stafford, Margaret Whiting, Perry Como, Bing Crosby, and Connie Boswell. Mrs. Cooper and her husband shared their enjoyment of music with family and friends. Born on May 29, 1921 in Hammond Indiana, Mrs. Cooper is survived by her 88- year-old husband, by her youngest sister, Dorothy, three children, Lee, Patty, and Larry, by two daughters-in-law Jill and Marianna, by five grandchildren, Michael, Laura, Julie, Sabine, and Mieke, and by five great grandchildren, Dustin, Nicholas, Lauren, Sam, and Kiano. A Mass of Christian burial will be celebrated on Monday September 15, 2008 at 11 AM at the Our Lady of the Rosary Chapel at Morris Hall, 1 Bishops Drive, Lawrenceville. Friends may call on Sunday (this evening) from 7 to 8 PM and Monday (tomorrow) from 10 to 11 AM at the chapel. Burial will be private. Mr. Cooper has requested that friends wishing to commemorate his wife's life send donations to Holy Rosary Chapel at Morris Hall, One Bishops Drive, Lawrenceville, New Jersey 08648.