Kate Marie Cooper

Kate Marie Cooper (née Okamoto) died peacefully and surrounded by family on May 24, 2026, at the Grey Nuns Hospital Palliative Care Unit after courageously fighting cancer for three years. She was 78 years old.

Kate was born on August 27, 1947, in North Platte, Nebraska, to Ted and Mary Okamoto. She lost her parents and three of her siblings before her death: Steve Okamoto, Marianne Richardson, and Tom Okamoto. Her sister, Barbara Bach, survives her.

Kate shared her life with her beloved husband, Wesley Cooper; her sons, Joel Cooper and Seth Cooper; Joel’s spouse, Sandy Ayre; Seth’s spouse, Travis Baugh-Allen; and her cherished grandson, Gabriel.

Kate had a magical ability to connect with people and make friends everywhere she went. People gravitated toward her warmth, kindness, elegance, generosity, and unmistakable sparkle. She lit up every room she entered and made people feel seen and welcome.  A celebration of life will be held at 2:00 pm on June 21, 2026 at the Whitemud Creek Community Centre at 951 Ogilvie Blvd.  In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation to the Grey Nuns Palliative Care Unit or Cross Cancer Institute.

Nothing mattered more to Kate than her family, especially “her boys”, Wes (she was the only one who called him Wesley), Joel, and Seth. She was our fearless leader, our comfort, our teacher, our joy, and the heart of our family. She made life brighter simply by being herself.

We love her and will miss her so much.