Linda Casler Cooper

August 26, 1947 to March 4, 2020

“Meet me where the sky touches the sea. Wait for me where the world begins.”

If family was the anchor of Linda Cooper’s rich and abundant life, then the sky and the sea were its sails. She grew up thriving on the warm waters of Lake Havasu with her vivacious family. As an adult, she built her homes with a view of the ocean. In Cardiff-by-the-Sea, her house was perched above the Pacific and not a day passed where she didn’t pause, take it all in, and remark at its beauty. And at her Estero Beach home in Baja, there was no greater pleasure in Linda’s life than watching the waves roll in each evening with a cocktail in hand together with friends.

In 1967, Linda was learning to fly at Cable Airport in Upland, California when she met the love of her life, Ken Cooper. Just 20 years old, the young aviator whisked her off on a double date aboard a tiny Cessna and on that evening, she never would have guessed that this take off would begin the ride of her life. Not long after, they were married at her parents’ home, Earle and Minnie’s sprawling property, under a vibrant yellow tent at the foot of lemon orchards surrounded by family and friends.

Their lifetime of adventures began right away as she packed up her young life and headed to join Ken in Florida for his flight training. The Navy would take them around the world; Ken would spend his days flying off aircraft carriers and Linda would explore exotic new places. Always independent, she relished the adventures, and these vibrant years were filled with an unwavering commitment to support Ken and his dreams of aviation.

Linda’s greatest joy was her two daughters, Elizabeth and Stacy, and eventually her five grandchildren. Her daughters were her very best friends and to them, she set a very high bar of what it meant to be a great mother, and passed along her love of blue and white stripes and the deepest commitment to family.

An invitation to any gathering at Linda’s home was a prized ticket, she was widely recognized as the ultimate entertainer. Whether it was one of her daughter’s long-planned backyard weddings or a last-minute get together, you knew that the more would always be the merrier, the food always delicious, the beverages endless, and the celebration would never, ever end early.

Playing the ponies was Linda’s favorite pastime from summertime races at Del Mar to her annual trek to Kentucky for the Derby with her mom, sister and cousins. We can’t help but wonder if her love of racing was because of the lure of cashing in a daily double, the Seabreeze cocktails, or simply spending time with the women she loved best.

Linda passed away at her seaside home encompassed with love and encircled by her husband, daughters, sister and dearest friends.

In lieu of flowers, we ask that tonight, you grab a cocktail and someone that you love deeply. Together watch the last of the day’s sunlight fill the evening sky, and as the sun dips below the horizon and you wait for the elusive flash, toast Linda and her amazing life.