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Georgie Cooper Obituary

Cooper, Georgie, 78, of La Habra, died on 8/5/2008. Neptune Society

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by Orange County Register on Aug. 11, 2008.

Memories and Condolences
for Georgie Cooper

Sponsored by Catherine McPeak Cooper.

42 Entries

E.J. Smith

May 25, 2018

Although I was only a student of Mrs. Cooper's for one year at the Junior High, she made a lasting impression on me that I carry with me to this day. In her classroom, she had various signs and posters of famous sayings, Inspirational quotes, and of people. I would get lost at times staring off at a poster or reading a sign that was deliberately placed in her classroom so that her students could have visions and ideas that would grow beyond just the classroom. One sign, in particular, stuck with me. "What's popular isn't always what's right, and what's right isn't always what's popular." Well Mrs. Cooper, you were popular and you were indeed right.. Thanks.

December 10, 2015

Georgie, I think of you so often. I have not been here to visit because I lost the link to your guest book. This morning I am just now seeing a private Facebook message from Carla years ago. But the link was there.

Anyway, know you are often on my mind.

Much love,
Liz

September 10, 2013

I was doing a search of old Brea friends, and was saddened to hear of Georgie's passing. I got to know her through our shared love of jazz, and my late son was fortunate to have been in her class. She was truly one-of-a-kind.

Elizabeth Hicks

March 2, 2013

Georgie, I have been wondering where you were. Ohmygosh! But I know now that all is well with you and we will "do lunch" together in heaven. You were such a wonderful friend!

Brian Henderson

December 1, 2012

I found this link after googling Mrs. Cooper to try to get in touch with her and to see her obit really hit hard. Mrs. Cooper is the one teacher I will always remember as my favorite. I owe my annoyingly perfect grammar to her. So strict but so entertaining. I only wanted to thank her for pushing me to achieve.

Love you Mama!

Jack Cooper

July 20, 2011

Mama...love you very much and think about you everyday...
Love,
Jack

Sam Nicolas

December 1, 2010

About 15 years ago I contacted Mrs. Cooper to tell her thank you for being my teacher in the 8th grade. Yes, I was Snoopy in the production of "You're a God Man, Charlie Brown" which rocked the Brea-Olinda Jr. High back in 1974. She brought out the best in every student. I will always remember her fondly.

Jim Chase

April 17, 2009

I ran across an email from Ms. Cooper sent to me 8 years ago while doing some cleanup this morning. I am saddened to learn of her passing but I am sure she is in a better place, sharing her humor and energy with a higher audience. She is one of a handful of teachers who had a lasting impact on me. Belated condolences to her family.

1963

March 31, 2009

1969

March 31, 2009

1968

March 31, 2009

1946

March 31, 2009

1949

March 31, 2009

1955

March 31, 2009

Jeffrey Gardner

February 5, 2009

Mrs. Cooper affected me more than any other teached I have known. She took me under her wing and nurtured me for no reason other than she cared. She was a force of nature; I have never known a more genuiney animated and committed person. I recall two special moments with Georgie that really illustrated her genuine caring for others: Once she invited me to come to her home to learn about succelent plants and to play the piano. She knew how isolated I felt in Junior High, and she just wanted to make me feel a part of something, to share her vast knowledge and enthusiasm. I felt so special riding my bike back home; I felt I had a new friend.
I also recall one of her students performing at a Jr. High assembly. The girl was wobbly and scared and off key. The Jr. High kids being what they are, began howling and hooting and the poor girl looked as if she would cry. With a bang Georgie smashed her hands on the piano, and ordered the most offensive hecker out of the room and demanded the assembly show the singer some respect. She resumed on the accompaniment and the singer finished to rousing applause.
I am eternally grateful to have known Georgie Cooper. She was a great woman. I am only now hearing of her passing, and my heart is heavy. All my thoughts are with her family and friends.

1961:Georgie and Catherine; 1961:Catherine and Sarah

December 27, 2008

Georgie Blanton Finlay Cooper

October 22, 2008

Tammie Treloar

September 22, 2008

Mrs. Cooper was a whirling dervish of a woman, whose hands, I remember, were in constant motion. Oh, and that laugh was like no other, at once disarming and engaging! How could you not join in? She had the amazing ability to be extremely serious and giddy at the same time. What a gal. I will forever picture her taking her glasses off, putting them on, balancing them on her head... glasses attached to a chain of beads. She was one of a kind, and I was lucky to experience her as a student at Brea Jr. High. It's so wonderful to read about others whom she has inspired. Let's carry on the qualities she impressed upon us. Certainly we cannot be Georgie Cooper, but we can share her best as ourselves.
Big hugs to those who miss her.

Jeff Harkness

September 22, 2008

Georgie was more than just a teacher - she was a force of nature!

I had the honor of working closely with her on two different productions, 'You're A Good Man Charlie Brown' and 'Once Upon A Mattress', during my years at Brea Junior High. She was also my chorus director and english teacher.

Every student who was fortunate to have crossed paths with Mrs. Cooper had their lives forever changed by this dynamic woman.

She approached every day with unbridled joy and it rubbed off on everyone around her!

I am forever grateful for Georgie Cooper and the profound impact she had on my life.

God bless you Mrs. Cooper...

george l. friend

August 27, 2008

I cannot cite the exact date I met Georgie, but it has been approximately twenty years that she has been my dear friend and companion. Although I was then a Professor of English at CSF I was working part time in the classical section of the Brea Tower. It was there that we became acquainted; and, being an ardent lover of music, Georgie sought my opinion about various recordings. From the very start we enjoyed a rapport that is very hard to come by. We shared a common and deep interest both in literature and in music. Now that I am looking back on this wonderful friendship I realize the many activities we shared together: lunches, plays, musical performances. For many seasons she and I attended performances at South Coast Repertory together. She was always there when I needed her, gladly driving me to doctor's appointments and airports, as well as to the many cultural events we attended together. On one occasion she even taught a class for me, showing the fine talent that obviously attracted many students to her. I especially remember the many books she recommended and how her sense of humor enlivened many of our coversations. Perhaps I would still be without a computer had she not insisted. For me to cite all that I wish to say is simply beyond the appropriate limits of this tribute. Let me just say that Georgie was one of the best and dearest friends of my life. I will cherish many fond memories of her. I will find it very difficult to be without her.

Estelle Waslosky

August 27, 2008

I have read all the entries in Georgie's Facebook; the majority are (as they should be) from former students who many years later remember her with joy and the appreciation for their unique experiences in her classroom. As a former teacher with and friend of Georgie, i would like to add my appreciation for the friendship we enjoyed for almost 40 years. Georgie was generous and shared her expertise in the classroom; unfortunately, no one had her style. She was also a generous, empathetic friend who was always there when needed. I hope i was there for her.

Georgie Blanton Finlay at 19

August 27, 2008

Georgie Finlay and her father, Samuel Dunn Finlay II

August 26, 2008

Georgie and John Thomas: 1961

August 26, 2008

Cathy Cooper

August 25, 2008

All of these wonderful memories of my mother make me happy and proud.
Thank-you all so much.

Carole (Otto) Lockwood

August 25, 2008

I was saddened by the news of Georgie Cooper's passing. She was an inspiration to many students, and one of my most memorable teachers. Her energy and enthusiasm were contagious. She had the ability enchant her captive audience of Junior High students into staying well after the lunch bell had rung; just to hear the end of a story. That took real talent. We will miss you, Georgie.

Devika Johnson

August 19, 2008

I was deeply saddened when I heard the news of Mrs. Cooper's passing. I was very fortunate to have her as an English teacher and am grateful to have been a part of her class. Any student today will never know what they've missed. She was an inspiration.

Lori (Curlee) Croston

August 13, 2008

I was also one of the lucky students who had Mrs. Cooper as a teacher. I remember her infectious laugh and amazing enthusiasm for teaching. My prayers go out to her family.

Bettye Jackson

August 13, 2008

Thank you Michael for calling me this morning. I am so saddened to learn of Georgie's death. I will never forget how excited my mom was when she found her cousin Georgie. She was so excited and truly enjoyed the visits from Georgie,
especially when you and she came to Mississippi. We all enjoyed that special time. Please convey to the rest of the family our sympathy.
Bettye Johnson Jackson

Devangi Patel

August 13, 2008

I was honored to have Ms. Cooper as my teacher for two classes. What a powerhouse! She was the most memorable of all teachers there and just made you want to attend class on time for fear of being ridiculed in front of the whole class if you didn't enter on time. Last year I substituted at the Brea jr. high and realized how sad it was that these kids will never know what a great teacher she was. We were very lucky and she will truly be missed.

Jennifer Williams

August 13, 2008

Mrs. Cooper was one of those teachers you remember your whole life. I can even picture her now... the energy she had bouncing around the classroom, teaching us about Beowulf with amazing enthusiasm! She leaves quite a legacy and she will be missed.

Peter Liu

August 12, 2008

Georgie Cooper was a ball of energy who made English, one of my least favorite subjects, actually enjoyable. I still remember her Vaudevillian soft shoe and her always cheery, "Greetings and salutations!" She was an inspiration to the countless awkward adolescents that were privileged enough to walk into her classroom. She will be missed.

Ryan Heard

August 12, 2008

I was a student of Mrs. Cooper. I agree with the sentiments expressed by others here and can only add: Mrs. Cooper's lasting lesson to me was that our world is much stranger, mysterious and more beautiful than we can possibly imagine and that its genius is accessible to everyone.

I will miss her.

John White

August 12, 2008

As saddened as I am to hear about her passing, I can't think of Georgie without seeing her bright smile and hearing her infectious laugh. It's strange to realize that though it's been over 20 years since I sat in her class, I continue to experience the lessons she taught me on a regular basis. She came up in a conversation with friends just last week as an example of a person who's enthusiasm made being around her a joyful experience. I can't begin to calculate the impact she's had on my life. I have tears in my eyes, but revisiting my memories of her incredible presence lightens my heart. Thanks Georgie, I promise I won't let you down!

Craig Hayden

August 12, 2008

I have to say she was one of the most inspirational teachers I've ever had. She inspired both confidence and a critical eye, making her class thought-provoking and humorous, while expanding my own literary horizons. I am currently a university professor, and owe Ms. Cooper a debt for helping me achieve that goal.

Chris Kraft

August 12, 2008

Georgie Cooper played the organ at our wedding 12 years ago and Loretta and I will be forever honored with that memory. She was a wonderful woman who was devoted to her family. Rest in Peace Dear Goergie. We will miss you!

RICHARD WALSH

August 12, 2008

GEORGIE WAS A GREAT INSPIRATION TO MY LIFE AND HELPED ME END UP WHERE I AM TODAY. SHE WILL BE GREATLY MISSED. MY DEEPEST SYMPATHY AND PRAYERS GO TO THE COOPER FAMILY

Laura Heard-Root

August 11, 2008

A wonderful teacher that had a tremendous impact on my life! She will be missed!

Albert Malner

August 11, 2008

I AM HONORED AND PRIVELEGED TO HAVE BEEN A NEXT-DOOR NEIGHBOR TO GEORGIE DURING THE EARLY GROWTH YEARS OF OUR RESPECTIVE FAMLIES. THE JOYS, SUPPORT AND LAUGHTER SHARED BETWEEN OUR TWO FAMILIES WILL ALWAYS BE CHERISHED. WE ARE ETERNALLY GRATEFUL FOR THE SHORT TIME GEORGIE HAS BEEN WITH US.

Julie Shaughnessy

August 11, 2008

I am so sorry to hear about the passing of Mrs. Cooper. She was my favorite teacher of all time and the reason I became a teacher. I am so sorry for the loss of Georgie to the Cooper family. I hope you find peace in knowing what a spectacular lady she was. She will be greatly missed.

Ann Malner

August 11, 2008

Dear Cooper Family:
I have just learned of the loss of my precious neighbor. When I was in the E.R., following an accident, Georgie showed up to take my 3 boys to her home, fed them and cared for them until their father came for them.

No one asked her to do this, it was just Georgie full of grace, doing what needed to be done.....

RIP Sweet Soul
Your neighbor,
Ann Malner

Bruce Walsh

August 11, 2008

I send my love and prayers to the Cooper family. Mrs Cooper was my Teacher in Jr High. My children also had her for a Teacher. She was a great friend and a wonderful person. She always cared about her students. I will miss her very much.

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