Luncheon Tributes ~ April 6, 2013

Memorial Services for Lynne M. Cooper

Interfaith Memorial Celebration of the Life of Lynne M. Cooper

Second Presbyterian Church

5 April 2013

Lynne M. Cooper
April 6,1951 - March 16, 2013
Holy Family Chapel
Carondelet
6 April 2013

Prelude: Psalm 84 from the Brahms Requiem
Welcome: Sr. Maureen Freeman, CSJ
Entrance Procession:

• Circle Doorways: Opal Jones, Brenda Armour. Gulu: Patricia Murphy, CSJ. Family: Clark Cooper. Community: Cec Beresford, CSJ. LGBT Community: Rosemary Denson. Friends: Sean Muthian. Caregivers: Jo Ann Geary, CSJ and Donn Kleinschmidt

First Reading: Proverbs 9:1,31:20,25-26 - Susan Kohl
Responsorial: Psalm 146
Gospel Acclamation: Allelluia, alleluia!
Homily: Rev. Dr. Scott Stearman
Intercessions:

• Kathleen Murphy, Diane Levine, Mary Louise Basler, CSJ, Marie Martir, James McCoy, Alex Tishler

Presentation of Gifts: Make Me An Instrument

Dressing of the Alter: Rose Jonas, Anne Bader

Candle Bearers: Mary Sue Rosenthal, Alison Gee

Gift Bearers: Paula Watson, Iris McCoy, Clark Cooper

Communion Hymns: On Eagle's Wings, Taste and See, Sancte Joseph

Eucharistic Ministers:

• Maureen Freeman, CSJ, Becky Holly, CSJ, Judy Buchanan, Maryellen Tierney, CSJ, Marie Damien Adams, CSJ, Ken Nuerenburger, Pat Giljum, CSJ

Recessional Hymn: Just A Closer Walk With Thee

Music Ministers

Brahms Psalm 84: Friends of Lynne and Members of the Symphony Chorus

Conductor: Leon Burke

Accompanist: Mark Spurrier

Chorus: Rudi Bertrand, Marella Briones, Dan Brodsky, Buff Buffkin, Mary Donald, Susan Hagen, Tim Havis, Heather Humphrey, Tim Jansen, Karl Koesterer, Sharon Lightfoot, Jan Marra, Claire Minnis, Brian Pezza, Donna Westerphelt, Paul Williams

Piano: Peter Fisher Hesed

Bass: Peter Herbig

Drums: Eva Barringhaus

Trumpet: Jay Harkey

Saxophone: Mike Karpowicz

Vocalists: Linsey Boczek, Peter Meredith, Steve Neale

Liturgist: Mary Kay Christian

From The Vital Voice

Lynne Cooper was recognized as a Woman of Worth by the Older Women's League and was honored with the Administrator's Citation from the Health Care Financing Administration, the Founder's Award from her Alma Mater, Fontbonne University; the Initiative Award from Africans United Against AIDS Globally, the Sandra T. Spiritas Red Ribbon Lifetime Achievement Award from the AIDS Foundation of St. Louis, the Distinguished Fair Housing Service Award from the St. Louis Civil Rights Enforcement Agency and the 2012 Individual Equality Award from HRC St. Louis.

Lynne M.Cooper D.Min. Obituary

Lynne M. Cooper, D.Min., passed away peacefully at her home on Sat., Mar. 16, 2013 at the age of 61 after a long but brave battle with pancreatic cancer. Lynne was one of the founders of DOORWAYS, an Interfaith, HIV/AIDS homeless ministry and served as its long-time President and most recently President Emeritus. She was preceded in death by her parents William Sr., and Olga Cooper, and brothers William Cooper, Jr. and Ralph Cooper. Lynne is survived by her siblings, Iris (Cooper) McCoy, Paula (Cooper) Watson and Clark Cooper and a host of nieces and nephews. Lynne was born in Greenville, SC on April 6, 1951 and spent her early childhood with her family in the Jacksonville, FL area. Her family then moved to Atlanta, GA where she graduated from St. Joseph's High school. Lynne's undergraduate degree was from Fontbonne University. She held a Master's degree from the University of Notre Dame and a Doctor of Ministry degree from Eden Seminary. Lynne's interest in HIV/AIDS began during her pastoral care residency at Southern Baptist Hospital in New Orleans in 1985. In 1988, she and other community and faith leaders founded DOORWAYS, an Interfaith AIDS Residence Program to address the housing needs of people living with HIV/AIDS. Lynne served on numerous state and national boards, including President Clinton's Advisory Council on HIV/AIDS, the National AIDS Housing Coalition and the Missouri Children's Trust Fund. She volunteered her time and talent at The Women's Safe House and assisted in the startup of The Community Wellness Project. Lynne's humanitarian work reached many corners of the U.S. and several countries in Africa. In recent years, Lynne spearheaded the development of a birthing center in Gulu, Uganda. This dream of beginning construction and assisting expectant mothers is now nearly a reality, thanks to her vision and dedication.

Services: An Interfaith Memorial Service, Friday, April 5, at 7 p.m. at Second Presbyterian Church, 4501 Westminster Pl., St. Louis, 63108. A Catholic Mass for Family, Close Friends and Sisters, Saturday, April 6, at 11 a.m. at Sisters of St. Joseph of Carondelet, 6400 Minnesota Ave, St. Louis, 63111. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be sent to DOORWAYS for the Lynne Cooper Initiative for At-Risk Youth, 4385 Maryland Ave., St. Louis, MO 63108 or for the birthing center in Gulu, Uganda in c/o The Sisters of St. Joseph of Carondelet, 6400 Minnesota Ave, St. Louis, MO 63111 Attn: Development Department/ Gulu Birthing Center.

Lynne died peacefully at 8:10pm this evening

After a life-long commitment to social justice and a heroic, 18-month battle with pancreatic cancer, Lynne passed on this evening.  She was comfortable and at home in her bed with Sister Jo at her side.  We will post details about her memorial soon.

Whee!

My doctor, Andrea Wang Gillam, told Donn, JoAnn and me today that the medicines I am on have reduced the number and sizes of the tumors in my liver, pancreas and abdomen. She also took me off of some of the more irritating oral meds. It made us all feel more comfortable about JoAnn going back to Africa soon to continue her work and kick start the construction of the Maternity Clinic. In the meantime it's a big hurrah and a promise of more time to spend my nieces and nephews' inheritance!

Walleye pike

We didn't catch it but we hope to eat one just like it.