Obituary of Michele Cooper

COOPER, Michele Y. (nee Finnell) age 60, died peacefully on Monday, May 11, 2009 at the Valley Hospital in Ridgewood. Michele was born in Glendale, CA to Asa J. Finnell and Eva Mary Chapman. She lived in southern California, Sydney, Australia and Washington, DC before moving to Ridgewood 12 years ago. Michele was a avid traveler, visiting places such as Ireland, France and Israel. She was an active member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, serving in numerous positions such as president of the Relief Society, the Church's women's organization. Michele loved genealogy and family history, tracing her ancestors to colonial America. A devoted fan on the arts, Michele loved Broadway musicals. Michele was dedicated to serving as an advocate for neglected and abused children, volunteering first as a case worker and later as chairperson for Bergen County CASA. She was tirelessly devoted to her family and brought happiness to all she met. Her quick wit and sense of humor were un-paralleled. Michele is survived by her loving husband of 33 years, Alan B. Cooper, her devoted children A. Blake Cooper and his wife Jennifer (Pettitt), C. Nicole Cooper and her husband T.J. Scillieri, Brian Patrick Cooper and Cathryn E. Cooper. She was especially fond of her grandson Ethan B. Cooper. Michele also leaves her mother Eve Ferrera, her son Robin Howard, her sister Stacie Avelar and her brother Robert Ferrera. A memorial service will be held Friday, 11:00 AM at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 30 Youngs Road, Mahwah, NJ. In lieu of flowers memorial contributions may be made to the National Ovarian Cancer Coalition, 4900 Hopyard Road, Suite 100, Pleasanton, CA 94588, phone 1-888-682-7426, www.ovarian.org. Arrangements by the Vander Plaat Funeral Home of Wyckoff, www.vpfh.com.