Vesper Karmin Cooper

Vesper Karmin Cooper was born March 13, 1944 in Portland, Oregon to Lloyd and Reba Wilcox. On January 25, 2026, Karmin passed away surrounded by family and her devoted husband of 61 years, Norman “Cub” Cooper.

Karmin was the youngest of three children, having two older brothers, Jerry and Melvin “Mel” Wilcox.

Karmin graduated from Lake Oswego High School in 1962 and graduated from Portland Community College with a degree as a Health Records Clerk in 1981.

On June 6th, 1964, Karmin married the love of her life, Norman Cooper, at Christ Episcopal Church in Lake Oswego, Oregon.

In July 1965, Karmin and Cub welcomed their first son, Scott Cooper. In May 1968, Christian “Chris” Cooper was born. In October 1976, they welcomed their third son, Matthew “Matt” Cooper. Anyone who knew Karmin knew the love she had for her three sons.

Together the family enjoyed the Oregon coast, fishing, crabbing, and camping, with central Oregon and the Columbia gorge as favorite locations.

Traveling was a favorite pastime for Karmin and Cub. Together they visited family in California, went on ocean and river cruises, and loved the Coast.

Karmin also got to experience being a grandmother and great grandmother to Cadence “Cadi,” and Cadi's two daughters Addilyn “Addi” Michael and Aubrey Michael. A role she humbly thrived in and always approached with kindness, grace, understanding, and patience.

Steadfast in her faith, Karmin was a proud Episcopalian and often expressed her love for her Lord and Savior. She found solace in her bible and comfort within the warm walls of the church. “I am the gate. If anyone enters through Me, he will be saved.” John 10:9.

The life Karmin lived is respectfully remembered by family, friends, and all who had the privilege of knowing her.

Karmin was preceded in death by her parents, Lloyd and Reba (Geer) Wilcox, her brother Jerry Wilcox, her Aunt Vesper (Geer) Rose, nephews Randy Wilcox and Tony Wilcox. She is survived by her faithful husband Norman Cooper, her three sons Scott and Regina Cooper, Christian and Diane Nelson Cooper, and Matthew Cooper and fiancé 김민경 Minkyung “Min”, her granddaughter Cadence Michael (Cooper) and Brody Michael, and great granddaughters, Addilyn and Aubrey Michael.

A memorial will be held on Saturday, February 21st, 2026, at 2:00 p.m. at Howell, Edward's, Doerksen with Rigdon-Ransom Funeral Home in Salem, Oregon.