Marcia Cooper Obituary

I worked at Ogilvy & Mather in Chicago as executive creative director from May 1982 to August of 1985. What I remember most vividly about Marcia was her exuberant personality, her unmitigated honesty in every situation and her unrelenting drive to do what was right. The latter was most publicly manifested in her work with Adopt-A-School. but there were countless other times when she was "the conscience in the room." I've thought about Marcia more than a few times over the years and have often wished I could once again walk into her office, close the door and have a nice, long heart-to-heart with her, like I used to do on a regular basis. Common sense is the medicine she gave me when we talked, usually with a good deal of laughter to make it go down easier. Marcia was a truly special woman.

In February of 1984 Marcia opened my eyes to a whole new world called Advertising. At age 16, my life changed for the better. I was one of a chosen few that was offered a chance in a million, to learn about life outside the inner city. Marcia's involvement with a work study program at Roberto Clement, literally got me off-the-streets and gave me a future that otherwise, a junior in high school would have never seen. The extra income for a kid from Wicker Park in those days sure came in handy. I would later learn that this would be more than just a part time job.

Macia once hosted a 4A's meeting with representatives from several universities. I was there to photograph the event. She introduced me to the crown and gave them a bit of my story. Later that evening, one of the professors asked me, "Do you know how many college graduates would kill to be in your shoes right now?" I had no Idea of course, but I then understood that this was not just some job, this was a blessing, this was a learning experience, and I was the work-in-progress. That part time work/study job turned into a summer job, this continued through college and then a full time job. In all, a total of over thirteen years with Ogilvy & Mather. Those were the good old days.

Someone once said, "Life is like a box of chocolates... you never know what you're gonna get." Well, thanks to Marcia Cooper, my life is just a bit sweeter.

Marcia, thanks for giving me a Good Piece of Chocolate.

Ed Gamboa
Tualatin, OR

My deepest sympathy Leslie and Tom on the loss of your mother. I also lost my mom this past October and my thoughts are with you as you deal with this loss. One of the things I most remember about your mom was she seemed to treat us as kids with total respect - as if we were adults. She seemed interested in what we had to say - and it made us all better for it. My sincere condolences to you and your families.

I met Marcia Cooper 30 years ago -in 1976, in the fall of my freshman year at St. Scholastica H.S. Her daughter Leslie, my "new best friend", had invited me over to their home after school one day.
I'll never forget my first impression of Mrs. Cooper, not only was she stunningly beautiful but so gracious and warm!
She had just returned from work and dressed in a classic silk blouse, a gray pin stripped pencil skirt and killer high heels; a look I had only seen in magazines until then! Seconds later she reappeared, dressed in what I would come to recognize as her signature "comfy look"; pressed blue jeans, leather flats and a white oversized mens shirt- with the sleeves neatly folded to the forearms - perfect for her next role as "the happy chef" as she'd proceed to make a pasta dinner from scratch with a glass of wine and soft jazz music, her accompainment!
The reason I bring up such specific details is because of the impression that these memories made on me and how they ultimately influenced my life forever.
Trust in knowing, that I could also list the many reasons why Mrs.Cooper was a mentor to me, not only as a consummate and successful professional, back when women were considered "second class citizens" but as the first "single mother" I had ever met (a position that I would find myself in, some 10 years later)...but all that goes without saying.
The truth is, the one lesson that she taught me - that I continue to strive to emulate to this day, is how she
allowed herself the freedom to be her own person- as a mother always but as a woman, first and foremost.
Thankfully, I am blessed to be a part of my friend, Leslie's life, to this very day- and I look forward to the future, when together we can tell her daughter and son - what a great lady their grandmother truly was!
I love you all.
Best Regards, Kerry

Thanks to our Sylvan Lake cottage we got to know and love Marcia Cooper. You were such a fun neighbor and so kind to our family. The many dinners, lunches, coffee breaks, weeding, boating. Here's to the KIR ROYALS as we floated in the lake!!!! We had so much in common, gardening, decorating, antiques, cooking; I learned so much from you. You watched our girls grow up and they still talk about you and your dogs. Thanks for the fond lake memories! So sorry to Leslie and Tom. She loved you two very much and always had fun stories to tell us about you!
Sincerely,
Debbie and Tom, Lydia and Abigail.

To Leslie and her family – My husband, Steve and I were so saddened to learn of your mother’s passing, and our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. I met your mother in the spring of 2006 at Sylvan Lake in Indiana. From that first day, I felt as if I’d known Marcia for years. One rarely meets a person with her incredible individuality and values, and the optimism and hope that she had with each new day. Marcia and I shared our crazy stories, bragged about our families, and became good friends. I am so fortunate to have had the pleasure to know Marcia, and I will never forget her friendship and kindness. Never. Rest in peace, Marcia.

Tom and Leslie
I was very sorry to hear about your mother's passing. As you know, she was a significant person in both my personal and professional life.
I will make a point of connecting with you both at the memorial service. My deepest sympathy.
Pat (Grams) Nathan

Marcia was the person who got me into the advertising industry. She hired me at Post,Keyes & Gardner as an admin assistant. Then she took me to Ogilvy & Mather where I enjoyed a 23 year career. Marcia was a wonderful mentor - I listened very carefully to her and she helped me become the person I am today. Marcia was always happy, very confident and a beautiful woman all the way around. She loved life and loved her children most of all. The last time I had lunch with Marcia was in 2001 and she looked wonderful and very happy. May she rest in peace.

Kates Banno Smiles

Marcia was a wonderful neighbor. We had great chats and laughs in our gardens because we had so much in common.
She will be sorely missed. My prayers go out to her family and for Marcia, eternal peace in heaven.

I was deeply saddened to hear of Marcia’s passing. She was a wonderful neighbor and well respected member of the community. She will truly be missed.