Leslie Jill Cooper

LESLIE JILL COOPER, 74, died July 30, 2023. She was 74. Leslie was a brilliant woman whose smile filled your heart and warmed your spirit. Her devotion to her family was unmatched. She never knew a stranger and always welcomed new friends, her favorite though, the four-legged kind.

Leslie was born on May 18, 1949. She was the only child of Belle Shane (b. 1914, d. 2004). Leslie grew up in North Miami, Florida and graduated from North Miami Senior High in 1967. Leslie met her forever love, Jack Cooper, on Halloween 1964. The couple married in 1967 and remained together for 58 amazing years until her death. Jack’s parents, Walter Jack Cooper (b. 1920, d. 2008) and Louise Lively Cooper (b. 1922, d. 2004) loved Leslie as their own daughter. Leslie was a dedicated mother to her four amazing kids, Melissa, Joel, Erik, and Scott, and a doting grandmother to Tyson, Brock, Mia, Andrew, and Brianna. Leslie was a devoted wife, mother, grandmother, niece, cousin, and friend. She adored her family and invested countless years sharing her love and support for them. Leslie maintained a solid foundation of her faith, family and values, was always present, and gave tirelessly of herself to others. Leslie showered her children, grandchildren, and students with praise and love. Leslie was blessed with many wonderful friends.

After volunteering as a classroom parent for her children, Leslie worked for Broward County Public Schools at Western High School in Davie, Florida, and Tequesta Trace Middle School and Falcon Cove Middle School in Weston, Florida. She retired in 2011. Leslie enjoyed many visits to her Sugar Bear Chalet located in Gatlinburg, Tennessee, watching bears and their cubs frolic in her yard, wildlife visit her porch, and snow pile in her driveway. Leslie’s passion was focused in her efforts to rescue stray animals and injured wildlife. She camped across America, and cherished trips to New York City, a once-in-a-lifetime Alaskan cruise, a Canadian cruise to Nova Scotia, and a Hawaiian vacation, with countless trips to Walt Disney World with her children and grandchildren. Leslie had great fondness for her brilliant red Chevy Corvette, with others before her last, and camping trailers she’d outfit for all of her journeys far and wide.

Visitation will be held at T.M. Ralph Funeral Homes located at 7001 North West 4th Street, Plantation, Florida, from 3:00 P.M. until 7:00 P.M. on Sunday, August 6, 2023, with services at 6:00 P.M. Leslie will be laid to rest with a graveside service held at Serenity Gardens located at 3350 Mall Hill Drive, Lakeland, Florida, at Noon on Tuesday, August 8, 2023.

In lieu of flowers, Leslie’s family welcomes donations to St. Jude’s Children’s Research Hospital and Shriner’s Children’s Hospital.