Ranny Cooper

Ranny Cooper, 78, of Newton, passed away after a long illness with Alzheimer’s disease.

Ranny was the beloved daughter of the late Audrey and David Cooper and the devoted wife of the late David Smith. She is survived by her sister and brother-in-law, Marion and David Pollock; her cherished nieces, Sara DeMedeiros (Rodney) and Liz Pollock (Elan Babchuck); five great-nieces and nephews; her stepdaughters, Lisa Cook and Jessica Smith; many Cooper and Leventhal cousins; and a myriad of dear friends and admirers.

Ranny grew up in Newton and graduated from Newton High School and the University of Rochester. Her lifelong commitment to politics and public service began when she volunteered on the Massachusetts congressional campaign of Father Robert Drinan, where she ultimately became Chief of Staff. She went on to serve as Executive Director of the Women’s Campaign Fund, a nonpartisan political action committee dedicated to increasing the number of women elected to public office.

Ranny later became Chief of Staff to Senator Edward M. Kennedy, playing a central role in both legislative and political initiatives. She worked closely with the National Partnership for Women and Families (then known as the Women’s Legal Defense Fund) as they led the grassroots efforts to encourage passage of the original Family and Medical Leave Act.

Following her years in government, she served as President of Weber Shandwick’s public affairs practice, leading the firm’s research and advocacy advertising divisions. A nationally known political strategist, Ranny directed sensitive crisis and public policy campaigns on behalf of many of the firm’s major clients.

Beyond her professional achievements, Ranny devoted herself to causes that reflected her values, advancing women’s leadership, supporting families, and nurturing the arts. She was one of the “Founding Moms” of Emily’s List and a longtime board member there. She also lent her energy and insight as a board member of the National Partnership for Women & Families, the John F. Kennedy Library Foundation, and Jacob’s Pillow Dance Festival, as well as the Board of Overseers of the Boston Symphony Orchestra and the Edward M. Kennedy Institute.

Ranny’s family is deeply grateful to the exceptional staff of Wingate Memory Care in Needham, caregivers Evelyn Mirabu and Alberto Del Orbe, and all who supported Ranny with kindness, dignity and respect in her final years.

Shiva will be observed at the home of Marion and David Pollock, Tuesday, October 14 from 7-9pm and Wednesday, October 15 from 2-4pm. A memorial service to honor Ranny’s exceptional life will be held on Friday, October 24 at 11:30am at Temple Shalom, 175 Temple Street West Newton, MA. The service will be viewable on livestream, available at this link https://www.templeshalom.org/livestream

Donations in Ranny’s memory may be made to Emily’s List https://emilyslist.org/ Jacob’s Pillow https://donate.jacobspillow.org/rannycooper or the Edward M. Kennedy Institute https://emkinstitute.org/