Rosemarie Cooper

On January 30, 2022, heaven gained a shining star into heaven when Rosemarie “Rosie” Cooper (DOB: 11/7/46) went to be with the Lord passing away in her home in Bradenton Florida. Rosemarie was the daughter of Ivan J. Christman and Dorothy LaCombe-Lincoln Christman, who proceeded her in death. Also passing before her were beloved sons, William Joseph “Billy” and Daniel; and two devoted husbands, Frank E Cooper and Marion “Red” Gaines, her brother, Ivan Joseph Junior, and her sister, Mary Kathryn. Surviving are her sons, James “Jimmy” Gaines (Melody) of Bradenton, Florida; and Steve Craren of Council Bluffs, Iowa and two grandchildren, Justin and Angel of Bradenton, Florida. She is survived by her siblings, William (Nancy Christman) of Wathena, Kansas; Laura (Dave) White of Warrensburg, Missouri and Barbara Christman of Topeka, Kansas. She is also survived by numerous nieces and nephews.

Rosie attended Fairview and Granada schools, spending time on the farm enjoying animals and nature. It was nothing for her to find a stray cat or dog and try to find them a home or to care for someone by lending a warm ear or hand. She also enjoyed helping her grandparents cook and sharing memories.

Rosemarie attended Fidelity Catholic Church. Her faith in God held her through many trials in her life and no matter what challenges she faced, she always had the amazing ability to share a smile through her tears and pain.

Rosie entered adulthood working various jobs but enjoyed mostly being a mother, a wife, and a devoted friend to many that knew her. She specialized as a medical transcriptionist and worked for several doctors in the Tampa/Bradenton/Sarasota area. She spent a lot of her life caring for Billy who fought muscular dystrophy as well as adopting animals and enjoying the Chiefs and Royals play as she was a Kansas native at heart. She loved Snoopy and enjoyed reading on her deck as well as enjoying flowers and the warmth of the Florida sun. She also enjoyed stopping by the local DAV to share time and laughs with her friends that were also a part of her heart and bigger family. For a large portion of her life, she held close at heart her love for Bug, her furry dog companion and later Tootie and Baby Doll. Her love for animals always played a big part in her life.

Rosemarie is also survived by her special furry friend, Freddie her hamster. He would decide at three in the morning it was time to run on his spinning wheel and Rosie would always awaken to make sure he knew she was watching over him. Rosie was a caretaker, a friend, and a very loving and loyal sister and mom. She would put others first and herself last. She truly earned her angel “wings” and will now shine with her loved ones that greeted her with open arms. Perhaps they are not stars in heaven but rather openings where our loved ones shine down to let us know they are happy.

A celebration of life will be held, to be determined at a later date.