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.
My heart is broken hearing of Kate’s passing. She was truly one of the kindest and most genuine people I have ever known, and her friendship meant so much to me. I will always remember her warmth, elegance, and the way she made everyone feel special and welcome. Sending all my love and heartfelt condolences to the entire family during this incredibly difficult time.
Although we knew this day would eventually come, it still feels surreal that Kate is gone. Just a month ago, we were sharing heartfelt conversations and laughing together over a glass of wine. In these past several days, it feels as though a part of my world has been shattered.
Kate was truly one of a kind — deeply loyal, genuine, thoughtful, and effortlessly regal in the way she carried herself. She had an incredible gift for connecting with people and for recognizing the goodness in others. Her wit was unmatched, and when you managed to make her laugh, it was impossible not to laugh right alongside her.
To have been fortunate enough to share so many memories with her feels like an extraordinary gift now. Her presence left a lasting mark on all of us, and she will be profoundly missed.
Keeping the Cooper family close in my thoughts during this heartbreaking time as her greatest joy are her boys.
I’m so sorry for your loss .. she was a force
We first met through mutual BFA friends , and over 40 odd years , our paths crossed often .
We both prospered in retail and was always lots of laughs and plenty to talk about .
Many great memories of her will make us smile.
Our hearts are broken to hear this news. Our Deepest Sympathies to you and your family!
We had the pleasure to work with Kate at Holt’s. She was so lovely, so kind, so pleasant to be around with. May the beautiful memories you have of your loved one bring you comfort during this time of grief and bring you peace in the days ahead. Thinking of you! With Sympathies, Angela, Gioele and Emanuela Valle
I only knew Kate through notes and shoes. Her sense of style was inspiring! I’m so very sorry for the family’s loss.
We are deeply sorry for your loss. Kate was a magical force of kindness, witt and ever so generous with her gifts of friendship and kindness. Kate was generous with her praise and love. It was a previlege to be in her world.
Kate will always stay in our memories and deep in our hearts forever.
Our heartfelt codolences to Kate’s family.
Our thoughts and prayers are with the family during this very sad time. Kathy and I are deeply saddened by the loss of such a wonderful friend. Kate meant so much to both of us, and we shared many happy, fun, and difficult moments together over the years. She had such a beautiful spirit, and it was always a blessing to spend time with her. We will cherish those memories and remember her with love and affection. She will be dearly missed. ❤️
Was saddened to hear the news of Kate’s passing from her son Seth whom I’ve been friends with since junior high.
I got to know Kate more from her days working at Holt Renfrew and the Tiffany’s section. She was as delicate as a flower, with an unassuming sense of humor and a heart of pure gold. She became quite close with my Mom Irene from her days working there and she had nothing but the nicest things to say about her newfound friend.
She will be surely missed. My heart goes out to the friends and family who were closest to her. May you to comfort in all the wonderful moments and memories you shared during this difficult time.
My deepest condolences,
Kris Ricci
Kate was one of a kind! She was a great friend. We enjoyed our outings to Alberta Ballet and many dinners together. She was a unique, loving and sometimes stubborn lady! She will be missed.
Our thoughts are with you, Wes and your family. Love to all.
I remember with fondness what a lovely person Kate was when I first met her in the late 1990s. She was working at Spence Diamonds and I was looking to buy a stone at the time. Kate lit up the room with her smile and graciousness. She was indeed a special person. I’ve never met anyone like her since. Her persona radiated a kindness and caringness that was truly one-of-a-kind. I met her a few times many years later and she didn’t change…still the same wonderful person! Every now and then I would think of Kate and how she was doing. I am deeply saddened by her passing and will always miss her.
Dear Sweet Kate, may you rest in peace. Met Kate several years ago at Louis Vuitton and then Tiffany. A kind, classy, genuine lady who was truly interested in other people’s lives. Will miss her pleasant smile. Hugs to all who knew her and to her family my deepest condolences. XOXO