Dorothy Marie Cooper passed away peacefully on Saturday, February 27, 2021, in Mystic, Connecticut at the age of 88.
She was born on May 16, 1932 to William and Sofie Leonard in Commack, Long Island, New York and later survived her Mother who passed away at an early age. Her father then married Alice Larsen both of who Dorothy later survived. She was affectionately known as ‘Dot’, ‘Dottie’, ‘Gram’, ‘GG’, and ‘Gisele’ and graduated from Huntington High School in 1950. Soon afterwards, she connected with Robert Cooper who she knew while growing up. He was able to help her secure employment with the Grumman Aircraft Engineering Corporation. They were married on May 16, 1953 and eventually had three children. After supporting her family at home, Dorothy returned to work and was employed by the Half Hollow Hills School District from where she retired in 1995.
Over the years, she had a competitive drive which she showed while playing tennis and golf. In later years, she continued to show her desire ‘to win’ when playing bocce ball and other social games with her neighbors. When not competing, she loved to spend time with her sister, Irene, with who she enjoyed taking walks, laughing, and kayaking. In more peaceful moments, Dorothy enjoyed reading in the comfort of her sunroom, playing her organ, and attending Church. But, nothing could be more special then the time she was able to spend with her three children, nine grandchildren, eleven great grandchildren, several nieces and nephews, and many friends.
Dorothy was predeceased by her father, mother, stepmother, husband, and brother, William. She is survived by her sister, Irene, and her husband, Thomas; a step sister, Sherry, and her husband, Dan; her sister-in-law, Dorothy; and her three children: Rob and his wife, Sue; Debra and her husband, Brian; and Scott and his special late wife, Mary Pat, as well as nine grandchildren, Kimberly with her husband, Brian; Courtney with her husband, T.J.; Brianne with her husband, Keith; Kelly with her husband, Matthew; Katelynn; Brooke with her husband, Aaron; Trent with his wife, Alexandra; Maxwell; and Alexander. And, she was blessed with eleven great grandchildren; Cooper, Ethan, Tyler, Bode, Ronin, Mayer, Jackson, Nikko, Evelyn, Brooke, and Kai.
A graveside ceremony is scheduled for Friday, May 14, 2021, at Melville Cemetery in Melville, New York at the noon hour followed by a Ceremony to celebrate her life on Saturday, May 15, 2021 at Langley’s Restaurant at Great Neck Country Club in Waterford, Connecticut starting at the noon hour. Dorothy will be long remembered for her gentle spirit, loving touch, and kindness to others.
In lieu of flowers and to commemorate her memory and special interest in St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, friends and family are invited to offer a special donation at www.stjude.org.
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