Virginia Ann Cooper

Virginia Ann Cooper, 85, of Corona, California passed away surrounded by loved ones on March 3, 2022, Virginia was born on April 5, 1936, to Alfonso and Bertha Derrera in Weld County, Colorado. She was one of nine children.

Virginia, fell in love not once but twice, she married Roberto Gonzales in 1955, whom she shared a military life with traveling many cities and states; they had three children together, Bertha Jean who is married to George Perez, Elsie Mae, who is married to Michael Rivera Sr. and James Alexander Gonzales who went on to be with the Lord in 2005.

Her second love and devoted husband of 22 years, James Cooper who proceeded her in death in 2005. They were inseparable from the time they met. They traveled the world together and took many road trips. They shared many interests, including stepchildren, Mickie Edwards, stepdaughter and Matthew Cooper, stepson, and their children and grandchildren. Who loved and adored her.

Virginia is proceeded in death by her parents, Alfonso Sr. and Bertha Derrera, two brothers, Alfonso Derrera Jr., Leroy Donald Derrera, her sister Dora Edwards, loving son, James Alexander Gonzales, and most recently her loving grandson Michael Rivera Jr, who went on to be with the Lord on February 18, 2022.

She is survived by two daughters, her eldest, Bertha Jean married to George Perez, their 5 children, Deserie Arlene Perez with Louie Ramirez, Sherri Ann married to Doreteo Rubalcaba Jr., Jonathan Daniel married to Rosanna Perez, Lisa Marie married to Eric Craig and Julie Nichole married to Joshua Prosise, between them they share 15 grandchildren, three great-grandchildren and one due in June.

Virginia is also survived by her youngest daughter, Elsie Mae married to Michael Rivera Sr. and their three sons, recently deceased Michael Rivera Jr., Keith Robert married to Alysia and Ygnacio Rivera with Alma Solis who they share their six grandchildren and three great-grandchildren with.

She is also survived by her two brothers, Senobio (Sammy) Derrera of Colorado, John Derrera married to Alice of Colorado, three sisters, Delia Zamora of Colorado, Elizabeth Hernandez married to Margarito of Texas and Joyce Dilka of Colorado. And many nephews, nieces and godchildren.

During her earlier life while with Robert, she would enjoy going to the dances and bowling with family and friends. She would take on part time jobs during Robert’s enlistment around the US and enjoyed being a short order cook. She managed Tuxies Restaurant in California and became good friends with the patrons. Later she would meet James Cooper and fell head over heals in love with him while working at Bourns and Bear Medical where she was a lead supervisor. She went back to school and majored in business to further along her education and career in management.

She loved to host dinner parties with her friends. She enjoyed all holidays and celebrated them to the fullest with her family and friends. She enjoyed playing bingo and was most excited about sports, football pools that she played them often.

Our mother, Virginia was one of the strongest women to ever walk this earth and our family was blessed to have her in our lives. She taught her children and grandchildren to care and love their family as she did. She was a devoted Catholic and enjoyed going to church with her family and friends. She loved the Lord, a value she instilled in all those around her. You will forever be in our hearts, and we will love you forever!