I knew Kay through her neurologist office.   I always looked forward to seeing her.  She radiated love and kindness to everyone in the office.  Such a special person.  She will always have a special place in my heart.  Rest in peace beautiful Kay.  Nurse Donna

Although Kay was my mother's cousin, their close relationship led me to view her as more of close aunt.  Kay consistently showed me support as I grew up, got married, had a child and pursued spiritual interests.  Kay was always so kind to me, helping me grow, and encouraging me in all I did.  While I didn’t get to spend as much time with her as I wished I could of due to distance, I always knew she would be there for me when I needed her.  Kay honored my wife Ronda and me by reading 1 Corinthians 13 at our wedding.  Whenever I read or see that passage today I can hear her voice.  “And now faith, hope, and love abide, these three; and the greatest of these is love.”  Kay and Al would communicate with me during football games especially when Al’s 49ers were playing my Packers and we enjoyed some friendly bets and banter.  The two of them were always willing to host any of us at their house when we visited the Bay area.  I will miss her but I am comforted in my grief by knowing that, in the last year, I was able to convey to Kay what she meant to me through a gratitude letter.  She is one of the people in my life that showed me that the “greatest of these is love.”  

My cousin Kay and I both shared our love of chocolate. For several years, she would send me the best chocolates from California and I would be on the alert to search out new chocolatiers in Madison, Wisconsin (where we live) to send new flavors to her.  Not any chocolate would do. Hand-dipped dark chocolates were always our favorites. 
Back when Kay was in high school, I visited her family. I was in college and had several of my college clothes with me. Back then, it wasn’t blue jeans and T-shirts. We got dressed up for college classes and, because Kay and I wore the same size, she would decide each day what she would like to borrow and wear to school that day. Then, at the end of the day, she would tell me how many compliments she got!
Kay was such a kind and loving person, always interested in giving gifts, using her special talents. Several years ago, she made individualized pillow cases for our family members even though she was struggling with Parkinson’s and it wasn’t easy to sew.  I still have my pillow case—a tennis theme. She spent a lot of time and energy finding the right patterns and fabrics tailored to the person who would receive her from-the-heart gifts. 
Unlike me, Kay loved to be in the kitchen and create special meals and desserts.  We had a lot of laughs over my major mistakes in the cooking department and I always marveled at her successes. 
The last time Kay was in Madison, and the last time I was with her, we toured a botanical garden and I got a renewed appreciation of her love and respect for flowers and plants.  I am so glad Al was able to make arrangements for her to move back home and enjoy flowers, nature and so much more.    
I was so lucky to be Kay’s cousin.
Sincerely, 
Joan Valerie Collins





OBITUARY

Valerie Kay Cooper

July 8, 1945 – August 26, 2021

Oak Hill Funeral Home & Memorial Park

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