Katherine Cooper, age 93, passed away peacefully on Christmas Eve in the Intensive Care Unit of Santa Cruz Valley Regional Hospital, succumbing to COVID 19.  At Our Lady of the Valley Catholic Church Masses will be said in her memory on January 8, 15, 22 and 29 at 10:00, as well as on February 14 at 10 am.  She will be remembered for her beautiful red and pink outfits (sometimes with leopard print accessories), and for her sparkling personality, wit and charm.

Kathy was born October 3, 1927, in Balta, North Dakota, to Margaret (Gefroh) Werran and Max Werran.  After graduating from Balta High School in 1945 she worked in her parents' general grocery store until it was sold and the family moved to Seattle in 1946.  Her work at the A&P grocery helped pay for her Seattle University tuition; she was able to attend beginning in 1954, graduating in 1958 with a Batchelor of Science degree.  During college Kathy designed and constructed all the gowns for the R.O.T.C. and Homecoming Balls, continuing to work nights at the A&P.  After graduation she worked for John Doyle Bishop (a Seattle fashion house), then reconsidered her decision to work in fashion, going back to Seattle U. to obtain a teaching certification.  Employed by the Seattle School District for thirty-two years, she taught at Whitman Junior High/Middle School in the Home Economics Department; she was the department head for many years.

Kathy married Edward Cooper in 1969.  When she retired in 1992 they moved to Green Valley, Arizona, where she took up golf, water aerobics and line dancing, and became involved with the Red Hat group, line dancing at care centers in the area.  When Ed passed away in 2015 she was often observed saying the rosary on her daily two mile walks.  Though her walks gradually decreased in length she stayed active and engaged. Her dog Sandy was with her in later years; he is now in Seattle with her niece Cheryl and Cheryl's daughter Grace. Kathy is survived by many nieces and nephews, who have happy memories of special times spent with her, including the pizza parties she hosted.

Memorial services are planned in Green Valley and Seattle but are delayed until the COVID crisis has passed.  Special thanks to Brenda Lopez, to Homewatch Caregivers, and to the ER and ICU medical staff at Santa Cruz Valley Regional Hospital, who cared for Kathy.