Karen Anne Cooper

Karen Anne Cooper, 77, passed away peacefully on Friday, May 8th, 2020, in her home in San Diego, CA. She was born at Mercy Hospital in San Diego to her parents Mary and James Crock. Karen graduated from Rosary High School in 1960. She also attended San Diego State University. Karen married Eddie Cooper in 1964. She worked as a Postal Clerk for the U.S. Postal Service for many years. Karen loved nature, the ocean, and the mountains, and enjoyed many trips to Yosemite and Lake Tahoe. She loved fishing, hiking, and camping. She also enjoyed dancing and bowling. Karen was a sports enthusiast, supporting local teams including the former San Diego Chargers and the San Diego Padres. She also closely followed the SDSU Aztecs football and basketball teams.

Karen was very creative, fun, and always on the go. She was in the PTA for many years, organizing Arts & Crafts Fairs and Carnivals. Karen was an artist and seamstress. She liked making costumes such as the Peanuts characters, Cookie Monster, and Charger Clowns. She entered her famous papier-mâché Peanuts characters in many parades throughout the years. She was a wonderful Girl Scout Leader along with her best friend Nellie Pernicano and took the girls on many fun adventures.

Karen was diagnosed with Primary Progressive Multiple Sclerosis more than 30 years ago. She fought hard against MS and was active until the very end. Karen and Water Fitness Instructor Kim Holt started Team Water Walkers for the MS Society in 1999. It is a team comprised of people with MS, family and friends, that participates in the annual MS Walk in a swimming pool, allowing team members with MS to move more freely in the water. Team Water Walkers is now one of the top fundraising teams for the MS Society thanks in large part to Karen’s hard work and dedication. Karen could also be found distributing medals at the finish line of many Bike MS events in San Diego.

Karen loved animals, especially dogs, dolphins, and birds. She really enjoyed live music and attended many concerts in her life. Karen was a very strong, courageous woman with tremendous tenacity and spirit. The world is a better place because of Karen. She touched many lives and fought for many causes. Karen will be deeply missed by family and friends; however, her spirit lives on.

Karen is survived by her husband Eddie Cooper; daughters Michele Cooper and Christine Lawyer; son Sam Cooper and son-in-law Gus Hernandez; sisters Pat Holzinger, Margaret Adams, and Michele Reed; and several nieces and nephews.

Please visit Karen’s Memorial Page to share memories and photos.
www.featheringillmortuary.com/memorials/karen-cooper