Brenda Cooper

Brenda Cooper, 63, went to be with the Lord on December 31, 2015, after a long and brave battle with cancer. Brenda was born in Danville in 1952 to William and Betty Hinton. She was preceded in death by her father. She married her college sweetheart Bill Cooper at McKinley Methodist Church in October of 1973. She and her husband have two children: daughter Erin (Steve) Gardner of New Jersey, and son Bradley (Norie) Cooper of Overland Park, Kansas. Brenda was delighted with her three grandchildren Caroline and Will Cooper and Summer Gardner. Brenda attended Danville schools and DACC. She finished her bachelor's degree in 1973 at Illinois State University, and in 1990 earned a Master's in History from Eastern Illinois University. Brenda Taught in District 118 for 34 years; many students who had "Mrs. Cooper" benefitted from her dedication. She taught at Collett, Douglas, Roselawn, Liberty, and North Ridge schools. She always tried to instill the love of reading in her students. As a young woman, Brenda enjoyed working at the Harding Drug store. Brenda was a lifelong, avid reader, especially on historical topics. She found joy in book discussion groups over the years. She was a member of Bethel Lutheran Church, where she enjoyed singing in the choir. Brenda was a music lover all her life, and would often sing along as she listened to her favorite songs. She felt her New Horizon Brest Cancer Support group was a vital part of her life, and she so appreciated their encouragement. Brenda and her husband socialized with the Danville Boat Club, and value the many friends there. Brenda was also a dog lover; her Black Lab Carly will miss her greatly. Over the years, Brenda greatly enjoyed the Friendships made through her children's sports activities. She and Bill treasure the comradery of friends from Erin's swimming and Brad's baseball. Brenda was a gracious hostess. She loved to cook and bake, and fondly remembers having her children's friends over to the house. She and her husband opened their home for several Danville Dans player; she took care of them as if they were family members. Brenda agreed with the Henry James quote: "To me, the most beautiful words in the English language are summer afternoon.'" Brenda found great comfort in the medical expertise and compassion she received from Dr Labayog. She also greatly appreciated the excellent care from the nurses and staff at the Hegeler Cancer Center. She asks that in lieu of flowers, friends may want to donate to Bethel Lutheran Church or the Danville Public Library. Her husband came across this quote which she felt is worthwhile: "When you die, that does not mean that you lose to cancer. You beat cancer by how you live, why you live, and the manner in which you live." We can all take a lesson from her; she kept her bright spirit throughout her battle. A Service will be held at 2:00 p.m. on Tuesday, January 5, 2016 at Bethel Lutheran Church with Pastor Ed Stone officiating. Burial shall follow at Gundy Cemetery. A visitation will be held from 4:00 to 8:00 p.m. on Monday, January 4, 2016 at Sunset Funeral Home in Danville. Please join Brenda's family in sharing photos, videos and memories of her through her tribute wall at www.sunsetfuneralhome.com

Visitation Jan 4, 2016 Monday, 4:00 PM - 8:00 PM Sunset Funeral Home and Cremation Center 3940 N. Vermilion Street Danville, IL 61834 Service Jan 5, 2016 Tuesday, 2:00 PM Bethel Lutheran 901 W Fairchild St Danville, IL 61832 Final Resting Place Gundy Cemetery Bismarck Bismarck, Il. 61832