Maryhelen Cooper

Maryhelen Cooper, aged 103, passed away peacefully on Monday, December 16th, 2024, at the KC Hospice House, just a few streets south of where she and her husband, Wallace “Wally” L. Cooper, raised their three children: Gerald “Gerry”, Mary Jean “Jeanie” and Patrick.

Maryhelen was born on September 4th, 1921, in Kansas City, Missouri to Allen Duvall Gossey and Mary Elizabeth (Healy) Gossey. She was the youngest of four children and was greatly loved and protected by her three older brothers: John “J.D.”, William and Robert.

She and Wally were married in 1946, shortly after he completed his military service as a Flight Radio Operator in the US Army/Air Force. The couple was quite social … enjoying ballroom dancing and hosting parties in their downstairs rec room where more dancing would ensue. Wally passed away in 1981 at the young age of 61; she also lost Jeanie in 2013, Gerry’s wife, Barbara “Barbie”, in 2014 and Patrick in 2021.

Later in life, Maryhelen enjoyed traveling both domestically and internationally, and cherished her time spent in Ireland. She continued to dance and not only found a love for square dancing but a new love with longtime boyfriend, Joe Laurich. Her dance card was always full! A talented seamstress, Maryhelen made most of her square dance dresses as well as her day-to-day clothing. She took delight in cooking for her loved ones, playing board games (especially Dominoes), and being surrounded by family and friends.

Maryhelen attended the KC Secretarial School where she studied Stenography; she also taught school and was employed by the Emery, Bird, Thayer department store. Her true calling, however, was that of wife, mother, grandmother and great grandmother. She was very proud of her four grandchildren: Stephen, Heather, John and Sara and five great grandchildren: Jordan, Brenden, Hannah, Norah and Dakota.

In addition to her grandchildren and great grandchildren, Maryhelen is survived by her son-in-law, Michael “Mike” Day; daughter-in-law, Diana Miller Cooper; Heather’s husband, Scott Alton; Stephen’s wife, Jennifer “Jen” Day; and her son, Gerry.

Family and friends will gather for a time of visiting from 11am-12pm on Friday, December 20th at McGilley State Line Chapel. Her Rosary will begin at 1:15pm with Mass following at 1:30pm on Friday, December 20th at St. Thomas More Parish to reminisce and honor the life of Maryhelen. Burial will immediately follow in Mount Moriah Cemetery, Kansas City, Missouri.

In lieu of flowers, donations to the ALS Association in tribute to her daughter, Jeanie, would be most appreciated: The ALS Association, 1300 Wilson Blvd., Unit 600, Arlington, VA 22209.