Rose "Lorraine" Cooper

Rose “Lorraine” Cooper, age 80, of Albia, IA, passed away on Thursday, January 29, 2026, at her home, surrounded by her loved ones, under the care of Care Initiatives Hospice. Lorraine was born on December 4, 1945, in Albia, IA, to Earl and Zelma (Bowman) Chapman. She grew up attending school in Albia and graduated with the Class of 1964. On May 15, 1964, she was united in marriage to Gary Cooper at the First Christian Church in Albia and to this union, 3 children, Steve, Erik, and Jenni, were born. Lorraine and Gary were blessed with 61 years of marriage prior to her passing. In her early career, Lorriane was a photographer for JC Penney’s and later for Sears. Her most cherished role was that of a homemaker, devoting herself to raising her children. Lorraine enjoyed being outdoors, especially tending to her rose garden and tomato plants. In her younger years, she enjoyed league bowling and riding motorcycles with Gary. She was an excellent cook and baker, well known for her fudge, and enjoyed preparing food for family gatherings. She was an extremely talented seamstress, making her daughter’s homecoming dresses and wedding dress. She collected Napoleon roses and enjoyed putting together puzzles and playing games, especially Skip Bo, Yahtzee, and Pegs & Jokers. Above all, Lorraine loved her family deeply and cherished the time spent with them. Lorraine is survived by her husband, Gary; her children, Steve Cooper, Erik Cooper, and Jenni Johnston; 2 grandchildren, Cora and Sean Johnston; 2 sisters, Eleanor Hackett and Carol McDaniel; and siblings-in-law, Larry (Genny) Cooper, Kim Bacon, and Nikki (Paul) Ammons. Lorraine is also survived by several nieces, nephews, cousins, and good friends. She is preceded in death by her father, Earl Chapman; her mother and stepfather, Zelma and Melvin Pilkerton; 3 sisters, Evelyn Ramey, Janice Teno, and Judith Hackett; and 2 brothers-in-law, Tim Cooper and Doug Bacon. Visitation will be held from 3:00 p.m.-7:00 p.m. on Tuesday, February 3, 2026, at the Tharp Funeral Home in Albia, with Lorraine’s family present from 5:00 p.m.-7:00 p.m. to greet family and friends. A memorial service will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Wednesday, February 4, 2026, at the Tharp Funeral Home in Albia, with Pastor Danielle Smith officiating. A private family burial will be held at a later date. An open memorial has been established to the family to be determined at a later date.

Rose "Lorraine" Cooper

December 4, 1945 - January 29, 2026