Audrey Helena M. Cooper

Audrey H.M. Cooper was born in England May 7, 1927 and died February 15, 2018, at the age 90. Her early years were spent in her home country, where she endured the blitzes of London in WWII. She met her husband, Richard “Dick” Cooper, also from England, at the end of the war. They married in 1948 and made the decision to immigrate to Canada in the early 1950’s, where their son, Christopher, was born. Seeing a brighter future in “America,” Dick and Audrey immigrated to Southern California where their daughter, Anne, was born and they made the commitment to become United States Citizens. They eventually settled in Oregon, first on an orchard in Dayton and then in Tigard. After Dick died, Audrey carried, on exhibiting strength and independence that are an enduring part of her legacy, though she missed her life partner until the end.

Audrey was trained in secretarial skills when she was younger and worked off and on until her children were born, but her dream was to become a court reporter, a goal she achieved in her early 40’s. She worked for the Multnomah Country court system for 18 years, a career she took pride in. After retirement Audrey enjoyed traveling, spending time with friends and going to the symphony. She was a master knitter, embroiderer and avid reader. Her greatest love though was for her two children and her four grandchildren. Spending time with her grandchildren was what gave her the greatest pleasure. Alzheimer's encroached on her capacity to remember in her final years but fortunately never affected her sweet spirit. Audrey lived her last three years at Markham House Assisted Living where the kind staff appreciated her offers for a “cup of tea.” Special thanks to Housecall Providers Hospice and Visiting Angels in her final days for their excellent care.

Audrey was predeceased by her husband Richard and her brother Allan. She is survived by her son Christopher (Sue) Cooper of Hoover, Alabama, daughter Anne Richardson of Lake Oswego, grandchildren, Ryan (Jessica) Cooper of Hoover, Alabama, Brittney Cooper of Atlanta, Georgia, Lauren Richardson (Ian Oberst) of Portland, Lucas Richardson of Olympia, Washington, former son-in-law, Doug Richardson of Portland, and a great-grandson due in April. Remembrances can be made to the Alzheimer's Association or Diabetes Association.

A memorial service will be held for Audrey on Sunday, June 17, 2018 from 2:15-3:45pm. The service will be a place to gather, snack and share memories and will be held at West Hills Unitarian Universalists Church, 8470 SW Oleson Rd. Portland, OR 97223, in the Forest Hall. Please refer to their website: whuuf.net.