Mary Elizabeth Morgan McMillin Cooper
June 9, 1920 – February 5, 2012
Mary Cooper, a longtime resident of Seattle and Bainbridge Island, died on Sunday, February 5, 2012. Mary was born 9 June 1920, the third youngest of six children to Sim and Nell Morgan in Leslie, Arkansas. Because of the Great Depression in the 1930’s, Mary was sent to live with her aunt Adda Morgan Williams and her uncle Arthur Williams in Roche Harbor, Washington. After Arthur’s death, Adda married Paul Hiett McMillin, son of John S. McMillin, the developer of Roche Harbor Lime and Cement Company.
Subsequently, the McMillins adopted Mary and Mary finished the eighth grade at the one room schoolhouse in Roche Harbor. She then boarded at St. Margaret’s School in Victoria, Canada, before transferring to Annie Wright Academy, and then to the St. Nicholas School where, in 1939, she received her high school diploma.
In 1940, Mary enrolled at the University Of Washington, and the following year, while on a visit home to Roche Harbor, she met her future husband John M. (Jack) Cooper, who happened to be there on professional business for the McMillins. In her words, she kidnapped this inveterate bachelor by inviting him out for an evening paddle in her canoe. The bold move worked, and they were married in a garden ceremony at Roche Harbor on May 9, 1942. Jack preceded her in death in January of 1993.
Jack and Mary are survived by their three children: Ellen Haley of Mercer Island, John Cooper of Bainbridge Island, and Hiett Cooper of Eugene, Oregon. Mary’s later years were enriched by seven grandchildren, ten great grandchildren, and one great-great grandchild. Mary is also survived by her sister Dorie Morgan Price of Fort Worth, Texas and many nieces and nephews.
Mary had a rich and fulfilling life. After Jack’s death, she developed a knack for living independently and for managing her affairs with care and thoroughness. She will be greatly missed by her family and her friends. At her request, there will be no public ceremony. In her memory and in lieu of flowers, donations can be made in her name to Planned Parenthood.
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