Mary Elizabeth Cooper, 80, of Valparaiso, passed away peacefully at home on March 7, 2026, surrounded by her family. She was born on July 19, 1945 in Detroit, Michigan to the late Peter and Marion (Callan) Dickie. She earned her undergraduate degree in mathematics from Marygrove College and, in 1969, a master’s degree in computer science from Purdue University, home to the first computer science department in the country.
She began her career at Ford Motor Company in the Advanced Operating Systems section. After taking a break from the workforce to raise her family, Mary, a number cruncher at heart, earned a Professional Development Degree in accounting from the University of Michigan. She worked for the Michigan Association of CPA’s and Associated Food Dealers of Michigan. In 1996, she took an accounting role at a business office within the Civil Engineering Department at Purdue, where she worked until retiring in 2009.
In retirement, Mary was able to focus on her passions for knitting and quilting. Those who received her handmade items truly felt the love she put into each piece. She also dedicated her talents to Quilts for Kids, creating numerous handmade quilts for children facing serious illnesses.
Mary was a member of the Delta Chi Sigma Gamma Chapter in Lafayette, as well as many quilting, knitting, and sewing groups. She had many lifelong friends she kept in touch with over the years. Her sharp sense of humor led to many inside jokes with her children, who will fondly remember all of her momisms.
While on a trip to Spain with mutual friends, Mary met James (Jim) Cooper. They married on May 8, 1971 and built a life together that would span 55 years.
Mary is survived by her husband, James Cooper, along with their children, Margaret (Tim Williamson) Cooper, Anne Cooper, Jane (Marc) Jones, and John Cooper; and grandchildren, Devin and Neil Jones, and Charlotte and Annabel Williamson.
A Memorial Gathering will be held on Friday, March 13, 2026 from 10:00-11:00 AM at Moeller Funeral Home 104 Roosevelt Rd., Valparaiso, with a Memorial Service beginning at 11:00 AM. A private burial of ashes will take place at Angelcrest Cemetery, Valparaiso. In lieu of flowers, memorials are requested to Maryknoll Missions, maryknoll.org
GUESTBOOK
My husband David and I extend our sincere sympathy to Mary’s family. I first met Mary when we were first year students at Marygrove College in Detroit. We were both mathematics majors and so we shared many classes. Four years later we drove off in her Plymouth to begin graduate study at Purdue University. We attended Mary and Jim’s wedding and a month later they stood up to ours. We have been good friends for almost 60 years and over that time we shared many visits and dinners, some recipes and much laughter. She was a talented and generous friend whose laughter and smile will be greatly missed. -Christine Shannon
All of the children of Richard Cooper send their condolences upon learning of Aunt Mary ‘s passing. Nancy, Dorothy, and Jim hope that our cousins and our Uncle Jim will find comfort and peace in their memories. A donation has been made in her honor to the Maryknoll Missions. Love to you all. -Nancy Cooper Evans
My sincere sympathy is extended to the family of Mary Cooper. Mary was certainly a delightful person to know. I attended Marygrove College with Mary, and then Purdue University for graduate work. I recall preparing graduate student dinners with Mary at the Newman Center at Purdue, which was always fun. We kept in touch over the years. So very sorry to hear that she is no longer with us. The memories remain. -Joanne Dombrowski
We were so sorry to hear of the passing of Mary. Our deepest condolences to your family. With love from -"Cousin Bobby" Bereman and his children -- Joey, Kate, Hank, and Alice
