Taisamasama Cooper

At the age of 24, she had gotten a job in the dining hall of Hickam Air Force Base in Honolulu, Hawaii. It was there that she met the love of her life, Robert W. Cooper (Bob). After about a year of dating, they found out Bob was being transferred to Lackland AFB in San Antonio, Texas. The pair decided to get married in Honolulu on November 24, 1962 so they could relocate to Texas together. Ten months later they welcomed their first born daughter, Tauane (John Horton) and 18 months later their second daughter Bobbie (Mark Breuker). They continued to venture all over the country for the Air Force for 22 years building their dream life and family, welcoming another daughter, Janet in 1972. One of her proudest accomplishments was on May 24, 1977 when she became an American Citizen. Shortly after in 1979, Bob retired from the Air Force and the family settled in Michigan to continue raising their daughters. Their family continued to grow to 8 grandchildren, Dezari, Mandi, Ane, Carl, Kristen, Zachary, Austin and Lo. Tai now has 8 great grandchildren. She continued living in Michigan after Bob passed away in 2005 until moving to California in 2011.

She was called home to the Lord on Tuesday, February 27, 2024.

Although Tai was not living in Samoa for her later years, she kept her culture near and dear to her in the US through dance and playing her ukulele performing at the schools she worked for, the officers club, various graduations, weddings and events.

Another passion of Tai’s was cooking. One of her favorite things to do was to cook for people whether it be for the children at school, her church, family or anyone she could get to her kitchen. She was known for having great food and an even better presentation of it. She had so many personalized recipes that a cookbook was created for her.

The most prevalent thing in her life was the love of her family and our heavenly father. The light in her heart from God shined through her personality as she loved her family and everyone she befriended unconditionally. Every Sunday you knew you would find Tai at church rejoicing, dancing and singing along to the word of the Lord.

Tai will always be remembered as the first one to the dance floor, a great cook, but most importantly, a lover of the Lord and family with the most infectious laugh.

In lieu of flowers, we ask that donations be made in the name of her church.

1st Samoan Assembly of God

c/o Tauane Horton

7025 Seawind Drive

Long Beach, CA 90803