Lora Cooper Kowalski was born December 7, 1923 and passed away at home on April 26, 2024 at the age of 100. She was born in Kenard, Texas to William Franklin Cooper and Mary Jane Vickers. Lora was the ninth of 10 children, and at her death was the last remaining Cooper sibling. The family moved to Crocket, Texas where she grew up and where Lora started working on Saturdays at the age of 14 at a five-and-dime store.
After moving to Houston at the age of 18, and taking a course in Sales, she went to work at Oshman’s Sporting Goods store for two years. She was then hired at the Federal Reserve Bank and worked there for about seven years.
After WWII ended, her future husband, Floyd Kowalski moved to Houston and began working at the Bank part-time while attending the University of Houston. Floyd and Lora met at the bank and began dating and eventually married in 1947. They were married for 68 years when he passed away in 2014. They had four children, Donna Kowalski, Michael Kowalski (wife Claudia), Stephen Kowalski (wife Debbie) and Becky Kowalski Stephens (husband, Tracy Stephens). Lora and Floyd had seven grandchildren, Mike Kowalski, Jr, Meagan Kowalski Peters, Kevin Kowalski, Karl Peterson, III, Derek Peterson, Brittany Stephens Steitz, Courtney Stephens Stout, two step-grandchildren, Melissa Davis and Josh Davis. There are currently 18 great-grandchildren, with more on the way.
After raising their children, Lora went to work at Sharpstown bank in 1969 until it closed in 1971. Then she went to work at Strake Jesuit College Prep and retired from there after 25+ years. After her retirement, she became active as a volunteer at the Catholic Women’s Charity Guild and this past year was issued their Emeritus Award for her more than 25 years of volunteer service. Lora was also an active member of the Catholic Women’s Organization (CWO) at St. Francis de Sales for many years. She lived a life of serving others. She was also a charter member of the Catholic Daughter of America (CDA), Court 2647 at St. Francis de Sales and also a member of the CDA Court at St. Michael the Archangel.
Lora was known for her famous fudge and making gift baskets for the CWO craft shows and other events at St. Francis. She loved to party and to entertain, but most of all she loved to dance.
She and Floyd moved to The Village of Tanglewood in 2012 and at the age of 94, she learned to play pool. Lora also took art lessons at The Village and began drawing many pictures and cards for her family, friends, and the staff at The Village.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contribution can be made in Lora's memory to the St. Vincent de Paul Society at St. Francis de Sales church, or to Strake Jesuit College Preparatory Financial Aid Fund.
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