Donna Jean Cooper

Donna was born in Tulalip Indian Hospital, Tulalip, Washington, December 15, 1936, and lived in the Marysville and Tulalip, Washington area most of her life.

Donna fought a long battle of numerous health conditions due to diabetes. Although many of her conditions were life threatening and potentially downward, Donna got right back up without complaint with such great strength, spirit, determination and bravery.

We are so blessed and thankful for her son Wayne’s Christmas gift of life (one of his kidneys), to his mother on December 25, 1997, that gave us all 15 more beautiful years of love and memories with Donna Jean.

Although Donna lost her eyesight in 2007 on her 70th birthday, she continued to live life to the fullest. With the loss of sight her telephone was her life line to the world. She had a memory like a steel trap and could still call anyone of her children, grandchildren, sisters or brothers at any time by memory of all their phone numbers. Her hearing was acute and she didn’t miss a thing!

During Donna’s lifetime she had many careers working for the Tulalip Tribe for the Senior Program as a driver and an “Awesome Cook”. She took a lot of pride in her work, staying up late developing a grocery list and creating menus for special dishes for our elders. One of her most treasured careers was being a mother and grandmother. She also worked at the Marysville Deli. During the July fireworks Donna had her own concession stand called “McDonna’s”, selling her favorite fry bread and beans. Her hobbies consisted of flower arts and crafts, bowling, carving pumpkins, playing pool, enjoyed camping, and she really enjoyed playing “a slot machine or two”

Donna was a proud and strong Native woman and loved her Tribal heritage. She was woman who didn’t mince any words. You always knew where you stood with her and not afraid to give you a “piece of her mind” for guidance, tough love or more importantly to protect her loved ones. She had ability and common sense to make do with what she had and could create something from nothing!

She was the rock and the glue of her family. Always a loving and caring mother and doted on her many grandchildren. She loved to laugh and tease and her smile warmed your heart.

Donna developed deep and lasting friendships with people throughout her life and had a unique gift of making people feel welcomed, loved and like family. Donna loved the Holidays with family and friends and her home was a revolving door of love, laughter, dancing, singing, fun, food and family.

Donna was blessed by the Creator with a huge and loving family. She is survived by her eight children, daughter Nilah and John Devaney, Vancouver, Mark Henry Mann, Joseph Henry, Linda Henry, Wayne Gonzales, Steve Henry, Diane Henry, daughter, Sherri and Kyrai Parker. Numerous grandchildren and great-grandchildren; sisters and brothers; Loretta James, Annette Napeahi, Sister Virginia (Ginny) and Wayne Bill; sisters Mary Jo James, Lila Henry; brothers Leroy Henry, III, Woodworth Henry and Eugene Henry.

Preceding her in death are; husband of 42 years Porter Cooper, her mother Lottie Sampson, (Swinomish Tribe); father Leroy Peter Henry, Jr., (Tulalip Tribe), brothers Oliver Henry, Patrick Henry, Morris Henry; Duane Henry, Hanford Henry, sisters Betty Henry and Patricia Henry; grandchildren Mylo Harvey, twins Anna and Tiffany Gonzales; numerous aunts, uncles, cousins and family who will greet her on her journey

For all who knew Donna she leaves behind a tsunami of tears, but in the midst of these tears, the majority of them are tears of joy for your beautiful life and not sadness in your parting. We can only imagine what it will be like when we will all meet again.

Funeral services include viewing at Schaefer-Shipman, Marysville, Washington, Friday, July 6, 2012. Private family viewing between noon and 1:00 PM, other family and friends between 1:00 PM - 2:00 PM.

Immediately following will be a final visit in front of her home with Drumming and Singing by her Napeahi nephews for her final journey. Reception dinner at 4:30 P.M and 6:00 P.M. Interfaith by Father Pat Twohy. Funeral Saturday, 10:30 A.M. Tulalip Gym with honor walk to the Mission Beach Cemetery.

The Henry Family would like to thank Virginia Mason Doctors and Nurses and Evergreen Hospice staff for such great compassion and great care for our mother. Thanks to the Tulalip Tribes, our Tulalip Families and Friends for such outpouring of love, prayers and support to help us honor our beautiful mother Donna.

Mom, your children, grandchildren, sisters, brothers, cousins, nieces, nephews and friends will miss you tremendously, but you will always be remembered with your beautiful smile and loving heart.

Arrangements entrusted to Schaefer-Shipman Funeral Home