Kathleen "Kathy" Ann Cooper

Kathy Cooper, 66, of Boynton Beach passed away at University of Miami Hospital on January 22, 2024, following a hard-fought battle after heart surgery on December 28, 2023.

Born in Grand Rapids, Michigan, on April 19, 1957, Kathy was the first-born child of the late Thomas and Elizabeth (Betty) (Lucas) Cooper.

Kathy is survived by siblings and in-laws – Mark (Jo) Cooper; Beth (Joe) Stambolija; and Paula (Marcos) Cersosimo – many cousins, nieces, and nephews; many friends around the globe; and her two beloved cats, Dovie and Cinza.

Kathy had a passion for Hispanic and Brazilian culture stemming from her love of exploration, meeting people, and foreign languages. She studied and spoke Spanish in high school, and later taught herself fluent Portuguese. After graduating from Grand Rapids Christian High School, Kathy took courses at both Reformed Bible College and Calvin University. Her passion for travel and adventure took her to many locations across the U.S., Europe, Mexico, Brazil, Israel, and Canada. She fell in love with Brazilian culture and lived there for a few years. She later moved to Southern Florida, where her love of travel and adventure enhanced her work as a travel agent and, most recently, as a cruise agent with Avoya Travel.

Kathy had a special knack for creating community with her extensive network of friends and family. She was a happy, fun-loving person. No one was a stranger for long, and her guest room was never empty as Kathy’s outgoing, charismatic, hospitable nature and big heart drew many into her life. Known for her love of cooking, hosting, parties, and good food, everyone in Kathy’s life was well-fed and cared for!! She also loved grocery shopping and couldn’t resist BOGOs, with Meijer being a favorite stop during her visits to Grand Rapids.

To her many nieces and nephews, Kathy was affectionately known as “Tia Kathy.” She brought joy, love, witty humor, laughter, and jokes to everyone. She was quick to share her thoughts, opinions, and advice, especially around food and politics! A natural “go-getter,” despite her physical limitations, she was a caregiver and helped many friends and family members through her vibrant personality and heart of gold.

Kathy will be dearly missed here on Earth. We rejoice in knowing Kathy is having a heavenly celebration reunited with loved ones, free from physical pain and suffering.

A ministry Kathy recently became involved with is New Life Children’s Home in Haiti – an orphanage caring for 93 abandoned children in that country. Contributions in Kathy’s memory can be made to: New Life Children’s Home, PO Box 6462 Lake Worth, FL 33466

Electronic donations can be made through www.newlife4kids.org