Thursday, August 22, 2024 | 11:00 AM

Phyllis Ann Flor Cooper, born in New Ulm, MN, and a longtime resident of St. Paul and Edina, MN, passed away on July 17, 2024, at the age of 101. A beacon of love and joy, Phyllis was known for her youthful spirit, beauty, and positive outlook. She embraced every opportunity to spend time with family and friends, whether as hostess, guest, companion, or mentor. Throughout her life, Phyllis was cherished as a sister, friend, wife, mother, aunt, mother-in-law, grandmother, and great-grandmother. Her greatest pleasure was being surrounded by family, especially the younger generations.

Phyllis and her late husband, William J. Cooper, were active members of Our Lady of Grace in Edina, where they shared many happy years. She is survived by their children; Dennis Cooper of River Falls, WI; Sandra Mendes (Dr. Charles Mendes) of Mendota Heights, MN; Thomas Cooper (Cheryl Cooper) of Edina, MN; Linda Strovink (Mark Strovink) of Walnut Creek, CA; and Michael Cooper (Dr. Elizabeth Cooper) of St. Paul, MN. Phyllis leaves behind 13 grandchildren and their spouses, 25 great-grandchildren, and many nieces and nephews, all of whom cherish her memory. She was preceded in death by her beloved husband and her siblings Arlene Ros Crum, Ordelle Schmid, and Dr. Albert Flor.

Phyllis had a deep love for children of all ages, delighting in watching, listening to, and playing with them. Her intense curiosity about the world around her and her love for music brought her great joy and comfort. She spent her final years at the Carondelet Presbyterian Home on the St. Catherine University campus in St. Paul, MN, where she received excellent, compassionate care from her professional care team, and formed many loving friendships.

Memorial services will be held at Our Lady of Grace Catholic Church, 5071 Eden Ave, Edina, MN 55436, on Thursday, August 22, 2024, at 11:00 AM with a visitation at 10.00 AM. A private burial service will be held at Resurrection Cemetery in Mendota Heights, MN.

The family requests that in lieu of flowers, donations should be made to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital in Memphis, TN.

All who knew Phyllis Cooper will draw inspiration from her life and legacy.