Phyllis Cooper

Phyllis Cooper, age 82, of Munising and formerly of Delmar, CA, died Wednesday, October 18, 2023 at Medilodge of Munising surrounded by her son and daughter in California via technology and her daughter and grandson at her side.   She was born on October 2, 1941 in Long Beach, California, the daughter of James and Allena (Brandon) Bock.  Phyllis survived rheumatic fever as a child and graduated from Roosevelt High School in San Diego.  Phyllis raised her four children in Delmar and San Diego, California.  She loved nature and regularly took neighborhood kids with her own to the beach and on hikes.  Phyllis loved adventure and on one of her travels, she took her children in a Volkswagen Bug to New Mexico to meet their family and great uncle, Baptist Pastor Jessie.  Phyllis worked at a health food store in Encinitas, California in the 1980’s and then worked as a home heath caregiver.  Phyllis was loved by those who were in her care.  She was a gentle, creative, and free spirit.  Phyllis advocated for human rights.  One such adventure she opened her home to sponsor a Vietnamese family during the Vietnam War.   She was active in the Catholic church in California. Phyllis did all she could to support her children’s interests in the arts and sports.  She taught yoga where she spread joy and mindfulness as well as taking her kids on Yoga Ashram retreats.  Phyllis was a loving helper in raising her grandson, Isaac. She moved with her daughter and grandson to Munising in 2015.  Phyllis allowed for freedom and creativity in her family.  She loved the Lord.  She never drank, smoked, or used foul language or slander from her tongue.  Phyllis stood up for herself but was a kind and gentle soul.  Above all, her family never doubted they were loved.   Phyllis was a shining beam of light, and her energy will live on in all she touched.

She is survived by her daughters – Susan Cooper of Munising and Jennifer Cooper of San Francisco, CA; son and daughter-in-law – John and Yolanda Cooper of Solana Beach, CA; grandchildren – Isaac Cooper, Nilo Frota, and Bethannia Frota and her fience Clint DeForest; great-granddaughters – Olivia and Nevaeh; sister-in-law – Rachel Doran; nieces and nephews – Deborah Knighton, Denise Goldberger, Becca Kaercher, and Chris and Curtis Chilcott.    Phyllis was preceded in death by her her mother Allena Doran, her father Jimmy Dennis Bock, son Joseph Cooper, grandson Mario Frota, and brothers Rick Doran and Cliff Bock.

The Cooper Family would like to thank the staff at the Munising Medilodge for their support and kindness during Phyllis's last days.

A service will be held at St. John Catholic Church in Encinitas, California in November of 2023.