Martha Cooper

Martha May Cooper, née Schulz, was reunited with her husband of 47 years (Ted "Bill"), her beloved mom and dad (Mary and Joseph Schulz of Alton, Illinois), as well as 9 of her 11 brothers and sisters (Joe, Dick, Jeanette, Gene, Al, Stella, Paul, Norb, and Jane) on August 21, 2020.

She trusted that God had a reason for her gracing the earth for a full 90 years, regularly pointing out that growing old "isn't for sissies." If the salient purpose was to be generous and kind, and to love her three daughters (Diane, Janet "Jenna", Darcy "Jo"), five grandsons (Neal, Todd, Jeff, Derrick, Adam), three granddaughters (Deidre, Corinna, Heidi), two great-granddaughters (Paisley, Rylee), and surviving sisters (Anita, Joan) it was well fulfilled.

Her characteristic frugality rode in tandem with the richness of her life. "I've had a wonderful life: wonderful parents, a wonderful single life, and a wonderful marriage," she often recounted. She was in the vanguard of women in her generation, having chosen not to rush into marriage before travelling the world and establishing a diverse career, including magazine editor. After her three daughters were born in rapid succession, she diverted her voracious ambitions to caring for her family. Not even Thanksgiving was immune, evidenced by photos of her daughters in matching homemade Pilgrim outfits.

Her family and friends will miss her bright wit; the super-fan spectating of her grandchildren's sports; her low threshold for appreciating anything anyone did for her; how she'd rhapsodize over the pretty box a gift came in; and her mental tenacity. The Denver Broncos will unwittingly miss the rituals she performed during their games to insure their top performance.

Martha reveled in the monthly ragtime piano recitals at her retirement village. With respect to prospects for the standard party the village holds for residents who reach the 100 year threshold she said, "Good gosh. If I live to be a hundred that will be the first time in my life I get drunk." Facing life sober and head-on, Martha was someone you'd want in your bunker.

She remains hunkered down in the hearts of all who love her.