Karen Marie Cooley

Karen was born in Chicago, Ill. on May 1st, 1945, to Irvin and Gertrude Pope. She completed their family of 4 by joining her brother Irv. She passed away unexpectedly on September 26th, 2023, in Menifee, California.

Karen grew up in Chicago and attended Gompers elementary school and Fengers High school. She was very active in Job's Daughters, an international youth organization for girls and young women. She also got to visit American Bandstand in Philadelphia.

When she was 18, she bought her first car, a pink Buick Skylark. At the age of 21, in 1966, she, along with her brothers in-laws, drove Route 66 to California. She lived in Torrance for a short time and got a job at Hughes Aircraft as a secretary and Program Controls Analyst. She remained at Hughes until she retired in 2000. After Torrance, she moved to the "Elbow Arms" in Inglewood where she made many friends. Her friend, Doris, invited her to Hawaii in the late 1960's. This began a lifelong love of the Islands. Another highlight was going with her friend Dian to see Elvis in concert. Doris introduced Karen to the love of her life, Edward Cooley. Ed also worked at Hughes.

In 1975, Karen bought her home in Inglewood. In June, 1976, Ed and Karen were married on Catalina Island. They would visit Catalina at least twice a year, on New Years and their anniversary. They renewed their vows every 5 years there.

After Ed retired from Hughes, they began their Chili cookoff adventure. This lasted over 20 years. They made many dear friends along the way.

They also loved to cruise and had many wonderful trips, including, Hawaii, Australia and Alaska.

Karen will be remembered for her generosity, humor and hospitality. She loved to volunteer at a local soup kitchen with her friend Doris. She also donated to many charities with Guide Dogs and Animal Rescue being most important to her. The Cooley's loved to socialize and had many wonderful parties at their home. Karen became affectionately known as the best "Bar Snack Lady".

She enjoyed playing games of all sorts. She could also write backwards and upside-down. A talent that provided endless entertainment for her step kids and grandkids. She loved 50's and 60's doo wop music and the T.V. shows of that era. You could often hear the sounds of Earth Angel being played.

When Ed's health declined, she became his caregiver at home until he became too ill. After Ed passed away in 2007, Karen remained in their home for another 8 years. Then it became necessary for her to move into senior living. She enjoyed her time there and made many friends. They had lots of activities and games that she loved to play. She "inherited" a dog, Baxter, from friends there. Baxter became a wonderful companion for her.

Karen loved spending time with family and friends and we will all miss her very much.

She is preceded in death by her husband, Edward Cooley, her parents, Irvin and Gertrude Pope, her Aunt Ruth and many others.

She is survived by her brother, Irvin, of Upland ,Ca., Step kids, Vicki (Rob), Terri (Searl), Russell and Lindsay, all of Fairbanks, Ak. Nephews Jeff (Sarah) of Riverside,Ca. Jarrett (Maria) and great niece, Kayla, of Olympia, Wa.

Grandchildren; Angelina(Erik), Ricky, J.T. (Kayla)

Stefanie (Kris), Curtis (Hillary)

Great Grandchildren; Xander, Adalin, Adrian, Oliver, Konor, Korey, Klara, Amelia and Elias

and her pets, Soupy and Baxter.

Please join us as we celebrate Karen's life. Her service will be held at 11:00 A.M., Saturday, June 29th, at Lamb's Fellowship Lake Elsinore

21901 Railroad Canyon Road, Lake Elsinore, Ca.

In Lieu of flowers, please consider donating to a local animal rescue or charity of your choice.

Karen will be laid to rest with her husband and father on Catalina Island.