Arlene Carol Cooper

Arlene, daughter of Fay and Donald Cooper, was a loving mother of Ariane (Mickey), Gregory (Rachel), and Jonathan (Rae). She was the proud grandmother of two. She will also be missed by her beloved dog, Sweetie.

Arlene was gifted with many deep passions, which she participated in for her entire life.

An accomplished and published textile analyst, Arlene was a rarefied expert in the identification and decoding of Middle Eastern Paisleys, of which she had a remarkable collection, that she donated to the Cleveland Museum.

Arlene’s greatest lifelong passions were shared between her ecstatic enjoyment of great food, and the ballet. It was not unusual for Arlene to visibly experience “goosebumps” after eating a sublime dish of foie gras, or a pure chocolate dessert (never with fruit!).

She was an avid member and patron of the American Ballet Theatre, New York City Ballet, and the innovative and ground breaking Ballet Tech, having proudly sponsored and overtly “cheered on” several brilliant young dancers into their fruitful careers.

She was intensely socially and culturally conscious, and cared very deeply about woman’s rights, human rights and equality across the globe. The depth of Arlene’s compassion, empathy, support, generosity and incredible spirit for life is a loss to everyone who knew her. Arlene was a force unto herself and inspired everyone she touched.

Some words that Arlene loved to say: “goosebumber”; “champagne troubles”; “with friends like that who needs enemies”; “living well is the best revenge”; “absolutely sublime”. She will be forever missed.

Services 9:45 AM Wednesday, October 30, at "The Riverside", 76th Street at Amsterdam Avenue.

Shiva will be held the evening of Wednesday, October 30, from 4:30 PM to 9:00 PM at the Cooper family's home, located at 6 West 77th Street, Apartment 6B, New York, NY 10024.