Margaret "Marny" Cooper

A resident of Albuquerque since 1990, died on November 30, 2014. She is preceded in death by her husband of 60 years, Stephen M. Cooper, who she met in Idaho. Marny is survived by her two children, Mark S. Cooper and wife Mary, of Tumwater, WA and Michele Chesnut and husband, Walter, of Rathdrum, ID; grandchildren Mendy Jean, Molly Christine, Amy Maria ad Michael Joseph; four great-grandchildren, Brayden Jacob, McKenzie Caleb, and Reed; great- grand daughter Macie; one brother James E. Holcomb and wife Irma; and her special Sheltie, Tuf-n-Redi. She was preceded in death by her parents and four siblings. While studying for her Bachelors Degree in Nursing, she was accepted into the Air force Nurse Cadet program during WWII. Aftern earning her Bachelors Degree, she went on to earn her Masters Degree in nursing. Marny worked in psychiatric units, one of which she was a vital part in establishing the Warm Springs Residential for Children Center in Boise, ID and continued to work there until 1973. She was the only female on professional staff, very unique in those days. She was a devoted wife, mother, grandmother and great-grandmother; and become renowned for her dog obedience training. Marny and her dogs won many awards, including the 1995 Kennel Ration Medal for good sportsmanship from her peers. She was an outstanding AKC trainer and teacher. She was awarded a lifetime membership to SDOC in honor of her achievements. Many of her happiest moments were making friends with members of the SDOC who were like her family. She also was well known and loved for the many sweaters she designed and knitted for friends and many others all over the country featuring dogs and other animals. She also embroidered beautifully complex patters, needlepoint, tatting and crocheting. She started all of these when she was eight years old. Marny was an avid reader. She loved to read mysteries, American history and theology. Marny had a secret family English toffee recipe and she also made hand-dipped chocolate from scratch. She would make up to 150 pounds of chocolate at a time for friends and acquaintances who loved to be on her gift list. The special cherry cordials that Marny made were so tasty that her son, Mark would hunt for them around the house. Golf was an important part of Marny and Steve’s live. She even had two holes-in-one and sported a six handicap. They were active and faithful members of Queen of Heaven Catholic Community. Marny would like to extend a special thanks to Father Johnny Lee Chavez, Trace and Ryan Graves, Christopher Nebergall for their kindness and care. Mass will be celebrated on Saturday, December 13, 2014, 9:00 a.m. at Risen Savior Catholic Community, 7701 Wyoming Blvd. NE. A special thank you to Grace Klein for all her loving kindness.