Barbara T. Madonna Cooper

Barbara Theresa Madonna Cooper, 72, lost her long battle with cancer on April 15, 2011 at home with her loving family by her side. Barbara lived a rewarding life and will be missed by many whose lives were impacted by her.

Barbara was born on July 27, 1938 in Providence, Rhode Island. Her family relocated to Massachusetts where she spent her early years. Barbara married Donald R. Cooper and raised five children. She began a career in retail and was quickly promoted to buyer due to her love of fashion and attention to detail. Her desire to make a difference led her to a career as a prosthetic fitter for women post-mastectomy.

Barbara will be remembered for her unique ability to converse with anyone. She was never shy to strike up a conversation and quickly made strangers her friends. A Queen in her own mind, she brought a grandeur and regality to the world that made others see her as she saw herself. She could warm your heart from across the room or across the world. There was no distance so wide that her love and care could not be felt.

Nothing mattered more to Barbara than her family and once in her circle of life- you were her family. She loved the television show, “Everybody Loves Raymond”, because she could relate strongly to the character of Marie. Also Italian, food was essential and the panacea to everything. She would defend Marie in her opinions of food, life, and family as if they were sisters.

Barbara loved going to casinos and had a golden thumb when it came to winning as if her personality could somehow influence the outcome of the game. She was also a staunch supporter of animal rights and cared deeply for her pets. Barbara was noted for her coordination of clothing. Everything needed to match, including the inside of her purse. She couldn’t be in public without receiving compliments on her outfits.

Barbara had a wonderful sense of humor and could find laughter in any situation. Her laughter was contagious because it was genuine and full. She was able to make others smile even in the end. She wished for the end of her life to be filled with laughter and fond memories-not sadness and pain. But for those who knew her, there is sadness. Her loss has left a void in the world. Her kindness and grace will not be duplicated. We pray that we filled her heart with our love as she filled us with hers. We did love her very much and she will be sorely missed.

Barbara is survived by her husband Donald, her children; Jeffrey, Andrea, Gregory, Anita and Ariane; her sister, Diane Heilman, and nine grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her father, Pasquale Madonna and her mother, Mary Madonna. With God’s Grace we are filled with her spirit and will miss her everyday. We love you.

We would like to give a special thank you to Bonnie Taylor, Barbara’s daughter-in-law, for putting our special memories of mama into words.