Beatrice Kathleen Cooper

Bea started her wonderful life in Yuma, Arizona on October 7, 1925. Her much loved parents were Albert and Beatrice (Kappeli) McIntyre. She was very proud of her heritage; having grandparents who were born in Scotland, Mexico, California, and Switzerland. Bea was the second generation in her family to be born in Yuma; her father being born there in 1892.

Childhood summers were spent in Long Beach and San Francisco; this was just the start of her wanderlust. Later in life Bea would travel to Washington DC and New York City, England, Scotland (where her grandfather was born), Ireland, France and Italy.

She was witness to many events during her life. Large events like the Great Depression, WWII, Civil Rights Marches and the Vietnam War. And also many happy personal events; her marriage to James R. Cooper; the birth of her 3 children: Cathleen, James and Mary; her graduation from college at the age of 54 and; a 25 year career teaching special needs children for the Orange County Dept. of Education.

After retiring she moved from Santa Ana to Novato to be near her grandchild, Katie. Bea loved her life in Novato; being part of Our Lady of Loretto parish and participating in all of the activities available to her. Bea knew how to create a welcoming home. She was a fantastic cook; she did everything in the kitchen well, but was especially known for her pies. She was passionate about politics and was a lifelong Democrat and Union supporter.

Beatrice is survived by her sister (Alberta), children (Cathleen, James and Mary), son-in-law (Henry), granddaughter (Katie), great grandson (George), cousins, and nephews.

The family would like to extend a special thank you to all her care providers during the last week of her life and especially Nohemi who showed immense kindness to Bea throughout her last years.

A mass will be held at Our Lady of Loretto on Wednesday, May 26th at 10:30.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Our Lady of Loretto School, Novato, CA.