Irma Rodriguez Cooper

COLUMBIA - Irma Rodriguez Cooper, 85, of Columbia, South Carolina, passed away at home on October 6, 2015, after a courageous battle with cancer. She was surrounded by her family who adored her. A Mass of Christian burial will be held at 11:00 AM on Friday, October 9, 2015, at St. Joseph Catholic Church with burial in St. Peter’s Catholic Cemetery. Monsignor Richard Harris will be officiating. Born in San German, Puerto Rico on January 20, 1930, Mom was always at the center of love and family. One of ten children, she was the daughter of the late Gregorio and Maximina Rodriguez. She followed her childhood dream to come to America, and began a full life, one that would include a husband, the late Steve Berry Cooper Jr., to whom she was married for over 40 years, and five children: Stevie, Michael, Dana, Debra, and Christopher. Mom spent her long life surrounded by family and her other great loves; cooking, praying, gardening, watching classic movies, and cheering on the Yankees. She is survived by her five children; her ten grandchildren; one great grandchild; her sister, Aurea; and a host of nieces and nephews. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be given to Compassionate Care Hospice, 455 St. Andrews Road, Columbia, SC 29210, or to Saint Joseph Catholic Church, 3600 Devine Street, Columbia, SC 29205. We wish to thank the staff of Compassionate Care, especially her nurse, Kathryn Watson, who helped our mom live in comfort and dignity during her illness.