Audrey (Mishel) Cooper

Audrey (Mishel) Cooper, age 97, died May 22, 2021, at her home in West Newton. Throughout her entire life, service to others was extraordinarily important to Audrey Cooper. She and her late husband David were pioneers in the city, helping to establish early childcare and afterschool programs at Family Access of Newton. She chaired the Board of Trustees of the Newton Free Library, Co-chaired the steering committee to establish the Newton Senior Center and along with David were founding members of Temple Shalom of Newton.

An avid Democrat, Audrey was past chair of the Ward 3 Newton Democratic Committee and served as a member of the Democratic City Executive Committee for much of her life.

Not surprisingly she was recognized by numerous organizations for her many contributions to the community. The two that were the most meaningful to her were the Newton Human Rights award presented by the Newton Human Rights Commission and the Unsung Heroines of Massachusetts award presented by the Massachusetts Commission on the Status of Women.

For twenty seven years she had worked as the secretary at Underwood School in Newton Corner, where most would agree she ran the show. She loved her years at Underwood and was delighted when former students would approach her on the streets of Newton to thank her for many kindnesses.

Although work and volunteer activities were her passion, her greatest joy came from spending time with her beloved husband, friends, family and her devoted dogs. Nothing pleased her more than to see that her daughters and granddaughters continue her legacy of service to others.

Born in 1924 to Sara and William Mishel, Audrey grew up in Brookline, graduated from Brown University and lived for more 70 years in Newton. She leaves two daughters: Ranny Cooper (David Smith) of New York, Marion Pollock (David) of Newton Centre: two granddaughters Sara Pollock DeMedeiros (Rodney) of West Newton and Lizzie Pollock (Elan Babchuck) of Providence, Rhode Island, 5 great-grandchildren, Cooper, Micah, Penelope, Nessa and Ayla, as well as several nieces and nephews.

Services and burial will be private due to current health restrictions but can be accessed via livestream at the following link www.templeshalom.org/livestream at noon on May 24.

The family would like to thank our angels on earth, Odette and Jun Balisi, and all the other devoted caretakers who helped fulfill Audrey’s wish to remain in her home.

In lieu of flowers please consider a donation to one of Audrey’s favorite organizations, Family Access of Newton, www.familyaccess.org, Newton Free Library, www.newtonfreelibrary.net, Newton Senior Center 345 Walnut St., Newton, MA 02460, or Temple Shalom of Newton, www.templeshalom.org.

Memorial observance at the home of Marion and David Pollock on Monday, May 24, 6:30-8:30pm and Tuesday, May 25, 1-3pm & 5:30-7:30pm.