Eileen Ryan Cooper

Eileen Ryan Cooper Eileen Caroline Ryan Cooper passed away peacefully on August 23, 2010 in Long Beach, California. She was born in Bangor, Michigan on January 8, 1912. Eileen's parents, James and Zella Ryan, moved to Long Beach in 1920. Eileen had a happy childhood, surrounded by her parents, her older brother, Richard, and younger sister, Patricia. She was raised a good Catholic, in a strong Irish family. She attended St. Anthony's in Long Beach and graduated from Long Beach Wilson in one of its early graduating classes. She eventually graduated from Dominican College, before joining the Navy prior to World War II. She attained the rank of lieutenant before retiring with an honorable discharge in 1954. She was proud to be a veteran. Eileen spent the next 20 years or so working with the State of California as a hearing officer in the Department of Social Services, often taking the old red line to downtown Los Angeles. On November 4, 1972, Eileen married John V. Cooper and started a new chapter in her life. She and John traveled extensively until John could no longer do so due to medical reasons. Eileen was John's angel and took care of him until he passed away in 1993. She was small in stature but with a big heart. She will be remembered for her smile, her unique sense of humor, and the glass of wine she would enjoy while watching the sunset. Eileen is survived by her loving sister, Patricia, and numerous nieces and nephews in both the Ryan and Cooper families. Eileen was laid to rest at All Souls Cemetery in Long Beach, California.